Biochemical Analysis of the Polychaete, Perineries cultifera as a Potential Live Feed in Aquaculture

Live feed plays a crucial role in better nourishment than artificial feed in aquaculture. Finding the potential feed sources for shrimp, fish and other aquatic organisms is salient. One of the most unheeded creatures is the polychaete, These Marine Annelids are known as keystone species that help in the biomonitorization and stabilization of the ecosystem, They are lucrative aquafeed in contrast to other commercial feeds. This study investigated the biological traits used for identification and analyzed the biochemical composition of Polychaete, Perineries cultifera, collected from Ennore, Chennai. Knowing the nutritional value of this particular annelid helps to be precise, whether it concedes as a potential feed. Using the standard protocol the derived values were protein 54.24±0.6%, followed by lipid 6.15±0.1%, Carbohydrate 15.32±0.25%, fiber 0.22±0.01%, ash 23.50±0.30% and moisture 85.33±1.53%. The proximate analysis differs from species depending upon their size, feeding nature and its habitat. The energy value of Perineries cultifera is 778.47 kcal/100 g, which is relatively high and makes it a potential animal feed. This study objectifies why polychaete, particularly Perineries should be used as aqua feed instead of other feeds used in the aqua sector globally.