Hemolymph metabolic variables and immune response in Litopenaeus setiferus adult males: the effect of acclimation

Abstract Massive nauplii production in Litopenaeus setiferus by means of natural matings has not been reported. The main reason is the low spermatophore attachment rate that has been associated with male sterilization because of male reproductive tract degenerative and the male reproductive melanization syndromes (MRTDS and MRMS). This information indicated both syndromes could be related to the captivity and management stress that affects the immune system and the physiological state of shrimp. We used some blood metabolic variables, sperm quality, and immune response as indicators of captivity stress in adult males of L. setiferus . A comparison between freshly captured shrimp with shrimp maintained in the laboratory for 7 days at two temperatures were examined. Glucose and calcium were not different between fresh and acclimated shrimp at either temperature ( P >0.05). A reduction in triacylglycerol, proteins, and cholesterol was observed in acclimated shrimp in comparison with base line shrimp ( P L. setiferus was proposed.