Influence of diet on pepsin and some pancreatic enzymes in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) larvae

Sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) larvae were weaned on day 25 with a basal compound diet as microparticles, enriched with a mixture of amino acid (SLAA) or protein (SLP). The control group was fed live prey (LP). Larval growth was significantly lower in the weaned groups. Trypsin activity was enhanced by the amino acid mixture. Pepsin was detected from day 24. Pepsin specific activity was significantly higher in the weaned groups, suggesting that the presence of pepsin is not such a determinant factor in the digestive process of sea bass larvae, since a poor growth was observed in these groups.