Evaluation of different feeds for optimal growth and survival of parthenogenetic brine shrimp, Artemia

Abstract

Four types of food, each at 5 levels were evaluated for optimal growth and survival of Artemia larvae (1-4 d and 4-8 d), under laboratory conditions. The food types used were rice bran and 3 species of algae (Porphyra vietnamensis, Enteromorpha intestinalis and Ulva fasciata). Rice bran yielded best growth at an optimal level of 0.1 and 0.5 mg.ml-1 d-1 respectively for 1-4 and 4-8 d old larvae. Rice bran was also the best food for outdoor cultures. Artemia fed rice bran took shortest time to reach maturity and released maximum number of nauplii per adult than the other feeds