The utilized larval line was free of any pathogens that require notification of the International Organization of Epizootics (from Aquatec LTDA, Rio Grande do Norte, Canguaratema, Brazil). Before the experiment, nauplii of L. vannamei were raised in a 4 m3 (stock- ing density of 100 larvae L−1), semi-cylindrical hatchery tank in salinity of 35ppm until they reached mysis 1.