Journal of Marine Science and Technology

Journal of Marine Science and Technology

Effect of salinity on density and population growth of parthenogenetic Artemia under laboratory conditions

Document Type : Original Manuscript

Authors
1 1. Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, Iran
2 2. Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, Iran
3 3. Artemia and Aquatic Animals Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
Abstract
Effect of salinity levels on density and population growth of parthenogenetic Artemia were studied. Cysts were hatched and 200 nauplii were transferred into cylindro-conical containers (1.5 liter) containing one-liter water at different salinities (50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 ppt) and cultured until maturity. After maturity, 3 female parthenogenetic Artemia wereselected randomly from each of the five levels of salinity and cultured in 4 replicates for 12 weeks. The growing Artemia were categorized into four population groups (1) nauplii and meta-nauplii, (2) juvenile  Artemia (3) pre-adult Artemia, and (4) adult Artemia and were counted once a week. Results showed that the density of adults, nauplii and meta-nauplii were higher in 100 ppt.  The maximum population of pre-adult and juvenile Artemia were found at 50 ppt. The density of adult Artemia increased while density of other categories decreased during culture period. Based on our findings, an inverse relationship between salinity and population of parthenogenetic Artemia were observed. Results indicated that lower salinities are more suitable for population growth of parthenogenetic Artemia

Subjects


  • Receive Date 07 November 2012
  • Publish Date 01 November 2012