ABSTRACT
Marine ornamental shrimps are gaining popularity in aquarium industry. Captive breeding of ornamentals and popularizing the technology for aquaculture is a leading solution that could conserve the wild livestock and also provide an alternative / additional livelihood to the entrepreneurs. Breeding of Gnathophyllum americanum is the first attempt in India and worldwide. The size of G. americanum is small and the larval duration is quite lengthy, an attempt on the larval rearing and captive production was attempted at Lakshadweep. Quantity of the feed was regulated, according to the acceptance of the feed. Tank aeration was stopped just before feeding and half an hour break is being provided. Broodstock development was noticed within three months and obtained eight individual pairs. Juvenile stage is the one when the larvae resemble miniature adult. Survival rate was estimated by the average number of zoea metamorphosed to juveniles per batch.
