Optimization of growth conditions of Hirudinea sp.

Leeches (Phylum: Annelida, Class: Hirudinea) are widely distributed all over the world in
various habitats, such as freshwater, seas, desert, and oases (Gouda, 2006). In this study, the effect
of light intensity, temperature and diet on the reproductive efficiency of Hirudinea sp. was examined
with eight different conditions. After 3 months of culture, the number of cocoons produced was very
significantly different among the different conditions (p=0.00). The average number of hatchlings per
cocoon was significantly different (p # 0.05) where condition 1 gave the highest number (6.23±0.25),
but hatching rate was not (p=0.354). The condition 5 produced the highest mortality of parent leeches
(52±13.86%). The sizes of the cocoons were not significantly different among the treatments, with the
condition 1 having the largest cocoon of 22.19±0.92mm and 13.26±0.07mm according to their length
and diameter, respectively. The wet weight of cocoons was significantly different (p # 0.05) with the
condition 1 producing the heaviest cocoons of 1.26±0.11g compared to condition 5 producing the
lightest cocoons of 0.22±0.38g. The effect of diet (FT1: fresh eel blood and FT2: booster) on the
growth and survivorship of the juvenile leeches was also studied. After 2 months of culture, the final
body weight was significantly different among the treatments, with juveniles in the FT1 (fresh eel
blood) had the highest final body weight (0.8893±0.012g). Percentage weight gain (WG) and specific
growth rate (SGR) of the juveniles in the treatment FT2 (booster) were lowest with mean and standard
deviation of 769.41±11.54% and 3.6±0.02%, respectively. Juveniles in the FT2 (fresh eel blood)
treatment had the highest survival rate (93.33±5.77%).