STARVATION EFFECT ON METABOLISM OF Penaeus japonicus

Changes in biochemical composition during starvation were studied in the shrimp Penaeus japonicus (Bate). Results indicate a progressive suppression of metabolism compared with normally fed shrimp. There is no significant decrease in the body weight over a period of 4 weeks starvation. Study of biochemical changes during starvation showed that P. japonicus consumed primarily carbohydrates, then lipids to meet its energy requirement; proteins were utilized significantly only during the final week of starvation. The evolution of the digestive gland index is measured together with hemolymph concentrations (glucose and total proteins) in order to interpret the physiological mechanisms of resistance to starvation.