Gonadic conditioning and maturation of the queen conch (Dosinia ponderosa) fed three microalgae at three temperatures

Gonadic conditioning and maturation of queen clam Dosinia ponderosa fed three microalgae (Isochrysis galbana, Tetraselmis suecica and Chaetoceros calcitrans) at three temperatures (20, 25 and 30°C) were assessed. Histological analysis showed six gonadic stages, indicators of maturity. The evaluation included sex proportion, oocyte diameter and frequency of gonadic stages after 22 (middle of trial) and 44 days (end of trial). At day 22, around 60% of females conditioned at 20°C, reached stage III (advances grade of maturation) when fed T. suecica. At day 44, around 50% of females were on stage III, conditioned at 20 and 25°C and fed T. suecica and C. calcitrans. For males, the best combination was C. calcitrans at 20 and 25°C. The temperature of 30°C resulted inadequate for maturation, especially when fed the diatom Isochrysis galbana. High mortalities occurred at that temperature with the three microalgal diets, especially in females. The results permits conclude that T. suecica and C. calcitrans are good sources of feed for D. ponderosa and that the best range of temperature for gonadic development is 22–25°C. These results may be basic for a best management and culture of this clam.     

Does the presence of microalgae influence fish larvae prey capture?

The green water technique has been widely shown to improve fish larvae growth, survival and feed ingestion. Therefore, fish larvae (Sparus aurata L. and Solea senegalensis Kaup) feeding behaviour was studied through gut content analysis, when using different species of microalgae, as the ‘green water’ technique. Six treatments were used: Stain – food green stain; Tetra – microalgae Tetraselmis chuii; Iso – microalgae Isochrysis galbana; Tetra Sup –T. chuii supernatant (obtained from centrifugation); Phyto – a microalgae paste, Nannochloropsis oculata, (Phytobloom^®); and C water – clear water, as control. At 9, 16 and 23 days after hatching (DAH) for S. aurata, and 4, 9 and 14 DAH for S. senegalensis, 40 unfed fish larvae were transferred to 3 L experimental tanks, filled with the different ‘green water’ technique. Fish larvae were sampled 2 h after being fed with live prey, anaesthetized and fixed in buffered formaldehyde for posterior gut content determination. Feeding was evaluated by the feeding rate, percentage of larvae with prey items in the digestive tract and feeding intensity, number of prey in each larva digestive tract. Fish larvae feeding ability was influenced by the interaction between light conditions and substances provided by the presence of microalgae during fish larvae development. Sparus aurata was more dependent on microalgae addition than S. senegalensis larvae, which may be related to the type of prey, larval behaviour, ontogeny and physiology. The presence of microalgae influenced the selection of larger prey (Artemia over rotifers) by S. aurata aged 23 DAH.     

Effects of dietary marine microalgae,Tetraselmis suecica,on production,gene expression,protein markers and bacterial count of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

The marine flagellated Chlorophyta Tetraselmis suecica is among the most important live food species in marine aquaculture. In the present study, the effects of dietary supplementation of dried marine microalgae, Tetraselmis suecica, on growth performance; feed utilization; chemical composition; gene expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF‐II) gene of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei; muscle protein polymorphism; and microbial count were assessed and evaluated. Three hundred and sixty L. vannamei (postlarvae) Pls (0.124 ± 0.002 g) were randomly stocked into 40‐L glass aquaria (30 shrimp/aquarium) and fed three times daily four tested diets: a basal diet (control), diet incorporated with 2.5 g kg^?1 dried T. suecica (T1), 5 g kg^?1 dried T. suecica (T2) and 7.5 g kg^?1 dried T. suecica (T3) in triplicates, for 90 days. At the end of the trial, the survival rate (SR) of L. vannamei fed diets supplemented with different levels of T. suecica was significantly (p < .05) higher than the control diet. The highest weight gain and specific growth rate and the best feed conversion ratio were recorded on L. vannamei fed a diet supplemented with a 7.5 g/kg dried T. suecica. The highest protein, lipid and ash contents were obtained in L. vannamei fed the diet containing 7.5 g/kg T. suecica, when compared with the remaining tested diets. The gene expression of antioxidant genes SOD and GPx was the lowest in the T3 group in comparison with the control group. Meanwhile, expression level of IGF‐II was higher in the T2 group. The total heterotrophic bacterial count was significantly (p < .05) increased with the cumulative T. suecica level, while no significant (p > .05) differences were found in the total Vibrio count among treatments. Overall, the present results have shown that the diet supplemented with the highest inclusion level of dried T. suecica resulted in improved growth and nutrient utilization.     

Growth and kinetics of lipids and fatty acids of the clam Venerupis pullastra during larval development and postlarvae

This study examines the larval development, metamorphosis and postlarval stage of Venerupis pullastra in relation to growth, lipids content and fatty acid composition, specifically those believed to be essential for most bivalves (i.e. 20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3). Clam larvae were fed with two species of microalgae supplied individually or mixed –Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis suecica–species normally used in bivalve hatcheries. Larvae fed with T. suecica showed a progressive accumulation of lipids and fatty acids but did not survive to metamorphosis. Contrarily, larvae fed with I. galbana or mixed diet showed a progressive decline in lipids and essential fatty acids (20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3) from the pediveliger stage onwards, and a survival rate of 95% until the start of metamorphosis. The lower content in n‐6 and the absence of 22:6n‐3 in T. suecica diet might contribute to the massive mortality observed for larvae fed with this diet. That diet seems to fail in the supply of some particular nutrient that allows energetic transformation of reserves for growth and metamorphosis. Nevertheless, larvae fed on mixture diet showed higher weight growth values at postlarval stage than those larvae fed on I. galbana diet.     

Enriching rotifers with “premium” microalgae. Isochrysis aff. galbana clone T-ISO

The effect of semi-continuous culture on the nutritional value of microalgae was tested in the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis in short-term enrichment experiments. Isochrysis aff. galbana clone T-ISO was cultured semi-continuously with renewal rates from 10 to 50% of the volume of the culture per day and used to feed the rotifers. After 24 h, dramatic differences in dry weight and protein, lipid and carbohydrate contents were observed in the rotifers depending on the renewal rate applied to the microalgal culture. Rotifers fed T-ISO cultured with low renewal rates showed low dry weight and organic content, whereas rotifers fed microalgae from nutrient-sufficient, high renewal rate cultures showed higher dry weight and increases up to 60% in protein, 35% in lipid and 100% in carbohydrate contents. Feed conversion rate (FCR) and organic FCR decreased with increasing renewal rates, indicating a more efficient assimilation of the microalgal biomass obtained at high growth rates. The fatty acid profile of rotifers reflected that of T-ISO, with maximum content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), n-3 fatty acids and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) being found in the rotifers fed microalgae from the renewal rate of 40%. Results demonstrate that the biochemical composition of B. plicatilis is strongly modified through the use of semi-continuous cultures of microalgae in short-term enrichment processes. This technique provides an excellent tool to improve the nutritional value of the live feed used in fish larvae cultures.     

Effect of cultivated copepods (Acartia tonsa) in first‐feeding of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) larvae

The aim of this study was to compare the nutritional composition and effects of short periods with cultivated copepod nauplii versus rotifers in first‐feeding. Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) larvae were given four different dietary regimes in the earliest start‐feeding period. One group was fed the copepod Acartia tonsa nauplii (Cop), a second fed enriched rotifers (RotMG), a third fed unenriched rotifers (RotChl) and a fourth copepods for the seven first days of feeding and enriched rotifers the rest of the period (Cop7). Cod larvae were fed Artemia sp. between 20 and 40 dph (days posthatching), and ballan wrasse between 36 and 40 dph, with weaning to a formulated diet thereafter. In addition to assessing growth and survival, response to handling stress was measured. This study showed that even short periods of feeding with cultivated copepod nauplii (7 days) had positive long‐term effects on the growth and viability of the fish larvae. At the end of both studies (60 days posthatching), fish larvae fed copepods showed higher survival, better growth and viability than larvae fed rotifers. This underlines the importance of early larval nutrition.     

The Effects of Different Feed Enrichments on Survivorship and Growth of Early Juvenile Longsnout Seahorse,Hippocampus reidi

Culturing the longsnout seahorse, Hippocampus reidi, remains challenging because unlike most cultured seahorse species, Artemia is not an optimal first feed. Ideally, more nutritious live feeds such as wild plankton or copepods should be used, but are not always readily available. Therefore, facilities commonly utilize enriched rotifers. Numerous feed enrichment products exist, including Dan's Feed Artemia Enrichment^®, (Dan's Feed) which is a blend of commercially available enrichment products. The aim of this study was to assess the survivorship, growth, and condition factor (CF) of 0–28 DPR (days post release) H. reidi fed with rotifers and Artemia enriched with Dan's Feed. This enrichment was evaluated against (1) rotifers and Artemia enriched with live alga (Isochrysis galbana), and (2) wild plankton and Artemia enriched with Dan's Feed. At 28 DPR, in terms of survivorship and growth, seahorses fed with rotifers and Artemia enriched with Dan's Feed had a lower CF and outperformed those fed rotifers and Artemia enriched with I. galbana. Seahorses fed with rotifers and Artemia enriched with Dan's Feed performed on par with those fed with wild plankton and Artemia with no significant difference in CF. These findings demonstrated that the culture of H. reidi may be feasible with rotifers and Artemia enriched with Dan's Feed .     

Improving the fitness of Holothuria arguinensis larvae through different microalgae diets

Development and design of adequate feeding protocols on sea cucumber larvae are necessary for improvements on larvae growth, survival and production of competent juveniles. This work assessed the Holothuria arguinensis larvae growth and survival, fed with three different single microalgae diets of Chaetoceros calcitrans, Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis chui, and two microalgae diets based on a combination of C. calcitrans and T. chuii (C:T; 1:1) and C. calcitrans, T. chuii and I. galbana (C:T:I; 1:1:1) during 2 months. Holothuria arguinensis larvae fed with T:C:I, showed higher survival and larger larval and stomach sizes than the ones fed with the other diets. Comparing the results obtained from the single diets, H. arguinensis larvae fed with I. galbana grew and survived better during the first 5 days. However, higher growth was obtained on the larvae fed with C. calcitrans from day 5 to day 12; since this day, larvae fed with T. chuii showed the largest size. These results could be related to the different microalgae size and morphology, in addition to the nutritional value of the different microalgae used. However, no competent larvae that metamorphosed into doliolaria were obtained during this experiment. The tanks used were transparent, which could be causing light stress to the larvae, since competent larvae were obtained in opaque production tanks in our aquaculture installations during the same time period. The combined diet of C. calcitrans, T. chuii and I. galbana (C:T:I) could improve the growth and larvae competency of H. arguinensis.     

The nutritional effect of Isochrysis galbana and Chaetoceros muelleri cultured with different seaweed extracts on the larval development,growth and survival of the marine shrimp,Penaeus indicus

The microalgae Isochrysis galbana and Chaetoceros muelleri were cultured with seaweed extract (SWE) from six different seaweeds and each SWE was used either as a supplement or as an alternative media to conventional f/2 medium. Microalgae cultured with only the f/2 media acted as the control treatment. I. galbana and C. muelleri were then fed to Penaeus indicus larvae, either singly or in combination, for 8 days to evaluate its nutritional quality. Shrimp larvae fed on microalgae cultured in f/2 media supplemented with SWE from Ulva lactuca or Enteromorpha intestinalis moulted faster (P < 0.05) to the second mysis stage compared with the control. Survival, total length and growth rates were better in shrimp larvae fed on microalgae previously cultured in media supplemented with SWE. In general, shrimp larvae fed microalgae cultured entirely in SWE performed equally well compared with the control. Shrimp larvae fed on mixed microalgae (I. galbana + C. muelleri) showed significantly better growth, survival and development compared with larvae on either single microalgal diet. It was concluded that microalgae cultured with SWE could be used as a low‐cost alternative media in producing live food for the hatchery production of shrimp larvae.     

Mouth Growth and Prey Selection in Juveniles of the European Long‐snouted Seahorse,Hippocampus guttulatus

Seahorses are ambush predators that swallow the prey through their tubular snout. In order to better understand mouth growth and its effect on prey preference by juveniles of the seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus, experimental assays were carried out by feeding juveniles (0–30 – d after male's pouch release [dar]) on a mixture of rotifers, Brachionus plicatilis; Artemia nauplii; and copepods; Acartia tonsa. Mouth development in juveniles was accomplished by growth of upper and lower jaws, which were linearly correlated with juvenile length, whereas mouth width (MW) and height (MH) grew exponentially with juvenile size. Additionally, MW and MH were exponentially correlated, so that the transversal section of the mouth increased linearly with juvenile age and length. Gut content and Ivlev' selectivity index demonstrated a permanent rejection of rotifers for the whole experimental period and a clear preference of juveniles for copepods from 0 to 15 dar and for Artemia nauplii afterwards. Results also suggest that juveniles are able to ingest larger prey than those provided as the limiting factor in prey ingestion was not MW, as for many marine fish larvae, but mouth area. A tentative feeding schedule to successfully feed H. guttulatus juveniles from 0 to 30 dar is proposed.     

Culture of the calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus euryhalinus (Johnson 1939) with different microalgal diets

The copepod Pseudodiaptomus euryhalinus was fed 320 cells μL^− 1 of monoalgal cultures of Chaetoceros muelleri, Nannochloropsis oculata, Isochrysis galbana, Tetraselmis suecica, or a commercial frozen concentrate of Tetraselmis sp., and the diet which gave the best production was compared in a second experiment to three mixed diets: C. muelleri:I. galbana supplied in 1:1 and 2:1 cell ratios and C. muelleri:I. galbana:frozen Tetraselmis sp. in 2:2:1 ratio. These gave better results than the cultures of N. oculata, I. galbana, T. suecica and the frozen Tetraselmis concentrate, but the production was similar to that obtained with C. muelleri supplied as a monoalgal diet, showing that the addition of C. muelleri may improve the performance of other monoalgal diets, whereas the addition of other microalgae is unlikely to improve the results obtained when C. muelleri is supplied as a monoalgal diet.     

Providing harpacticoid copepods via floating sieve improves herring (Clupea harengus L.) larval feeding incidence

Harpacticoid copepods are being considered as alternative candidates for live feed in aquaculture, but their benthic affinity may pose problems for pelagic fish larvae. We compared the swimming behaviour and feeding incidence of herring larvae (Clupea harengus) in the presence of harpacticoid copepods (Tachidius discipes) and rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis). Additionally, we provided T. discipes via a floating sieve to improve the prey availability. The comparison was performed at 5 and 10 days post hatch (dph) via 2D‐video observations. Quantitative analyses of larval trajectories allowed the estimation of feeding behaviour through a series of indicators: swimming speed, straightness of trajectories, turning angles and swimming activities (break, sink, slow, normal, fast). The outcomes highlighted that the prey type had no significant effect on swimming speed or straightness of the swimming path. However, at 10 dph directly copepod‐fed larvae spent less time in slow but more time in the normal swimming‐state than rotifer‐fed larvae and larvae fed with Tachidius via sieve. This suggests higher energy expenditure of directly copepod‐fed larvae. Moreover, the feeding incidence was higher in larvae fed with Tachidius via sieve than directly Tachidius‐fed larvae. Thus, providing harpacticoid copepods via a floating sieve can improve the rearing of marine fish larvae.     

Effects of dietary microalgae on fatty acids and digestive enzymes in copepod Cyclopina kasignete,a potential live food for fish larvae

The copepod Cyclopina kasignete is a potential live food in aquaculture and its fatty acid components and digestive enzymes were investigated. Three dry algal products (mixed algae, Melosira sp. and Nannochloropsis oculata) and two fresh microalgae (Tisochrysis lutea and N. oculata) were fed to the copepod for 30 days. The essential fatty acids (EFA) in copepods were altered by feeding different types of dry algae. The copepod fed dry Melosira sp. or fresh T. lutea contained higher eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), protease and trypsin than fed on other algae. The copepod contained a similar fatty acid profile and digestive enzymes by feeding either dry or fresh N. oculata. Between fresh algal species, the copepod fed T. lutea contained higher EPA, DHA and ARA than that fed fresh N. oculata. The amounts of EPA and DHA in copepods were more concentrated than those in the dietary algae, suggesting that the copepod has the ability to accumulate some EFA. This study indicates that dietary algae can modify the nutritional composition and in digestive enzymes copepods, which in turn may be able to transfer suitable nutrients and digestive enzymes to fish larvae in aquaculture.     

Assessment of the fecundity,population growth and fatty acid composition of Apocyclops royi (Cyclopoida,Copepoda) fed on different microalgal diets

The brackish cyclopoid copepod Apocyclops royi is used in Taiwanese aquaculture industry as a prey for fish larvae. This study investigated the effects of seven microalgal diets, namely single‐species diets of Isochrysis galbana (ISO), Nannochloropsis oculata (NAN), and Tetraselmis chui (TET), two‐species diets (ISO+NAN, ISO+TET and TET+NAN), and a three‐species diet (ISO+NAN+TET), on the population growth, female fecundity and fatty acid composition of A. royi. For reproductive traits, the combination ISO+NAN was found to be the most supportive diet for both population growth and female fecundity. For nutritional value, copepods fed ISO and ISO+NAN were detected to have the highest content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (18.99% and 10.73% total fatty acid, respectively) and, more importantly, a high DHA/EPA ratio (6.09 and 4.09, respectively). Additionally, a comparison of fatty acid composition between copepods and microalgae gives a tentative indication that A. royi may have the ability to synthesize long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from short‐chain PUFA. Our findings illustrate that ISO+NAN is the most suitable microalgal diet for mass culturing A. royi because it increases productivity and enhances the nutritional value of the copepods for use as fish larvae prey.     

The effect of several microalgae isolated from East China Sea on growth and survival rate of postset juveniles of razor clam,Sinonovacula constricta (Lamarck, 1818)

Four species of microalgae (Thalassiosira weissflogii, Thalassiosira pseudonana, Nannochloropsis sp. and an unidentified species) were isolated from natural seawater of East China Sea. By studying the effect on growth and survival rates of two sizes of postset juveniles of razor clam, Sinonovacula constricta (Lamarck, 1818) (shell length 0.37 ± 0.05 mm and 1.07 ± 0.08 mm, respectively), the food value of these microalgae and four other commonly used microalgal species in China (Chaetoceros calcitrans, Isochrysis galbana, Platymonas subcordiformis and Nannochloropsis oculata) in single and two algal species diets were evaluated and compared. For smaller juvenile, when used as a monospecies diet, C. calcitrans and I. galbana supported the greatest shell growth and the highest survival rate, and P. subcordiformis, N. oculata and T. weissflogii produced the smallest shell growth and the lowest survival rate. Meanwhile, for the larger juvenile, single‐species algal diet had the greatest and weakest food value on T. weissflogii and N. oculata, respectively. Full‐mixed algal diets exhibited the strongest food value and most of the two species diets supported more food value than corresponding individual single microalgae diet. Moreover, shell growths and the survival rates of larger juvenile fed most of the two species diets were lower than fed single species of T. weissflogii.     

Spawning behaviour,early development and first feeding of the bluestriped angelfish [Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)] in captivity

Successful natural spawning of Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis in captivity from 19 March to 11 May, 2008 is described for the first time. A single male dominates a harem of two females, spawning with each at dusk, from 10 min before to 20 min after sunset. Each female laid an average 119 × 10³ eggs during the spawning period. Fertilized eggs were spherical, buoyant and had a diameter of 0.83 ± 0.02 mm (mean ± SD). Embryonic development lasted 15–18 h at 28.1 °C. Newly hatched larvae were 1.60 ± 0.07 mm in total length (TL) with 27 myomeres. Larvae completed yolk absorption within 3 days post hatching (ph) at 3.01 ± 0.08 mm TL. Ten days ph, the larvae had attained 3.95 ± 0.12 mm TL. Larvae were fed either 100% s‐type rotifers (Brachionus rotundiformis), 100% copepods (Microsetella sp.), a combination of the two (50%:50%) or without live feed (starved control) to determine the effect of live feed on the survival rate. The survival was significantly (P<0.001) higher in larvae fed a combination of diet than the others. These results indicate that C. septentrionalis is a potential species for captive breeding programs and the use of a combination of diet (s‐type rotifers and copepods) may be a suitable first food for the larvae.     

Feeding selectivity in early life stages of Rhamdia voulezi under experimental conditions

The feeding selectivity of laboratory‐reared larvae of Rhamdia voulezi was assessed to investigate the preferred preys in early life stages. Three experiments were conducted at different larval development stages, starting soon after the absorption of the yolk sac (on fourth day after hatching – DAH), using zooplankton from fish ponds as food. Differences were detected in the patterns of prey selection among development stages. At first, the larvae prefer small preys, such as rotifers and cladocerans. Later, when they are more developed, they prefer to feed on large preys, such as copepods. On the fourth DAH, larvae in the pre‐flexion and initial flexion stage strongly selected rotifers and cladocerans (Diaphanosoma spinulosum, D. brevireme, Moina sp., M. micrura and M. minuta). At the other stages, cladocerans continued to be strongly selected. However, on the eighth DAH, larvae in flexion stage selected less strongly copepods Argyrodiaptomus azevedoi, Metacyclops mendocinus and Termocyclops decipiens. On the tenth DAH, larvae in postflexion stage selected more strongly copepods Argyrodiaptomus furcatus, Notodiaptomus cf. spinuliferus and M. mendocinus. As larvae grow, they tend to specialize in feeding of a particular prey. Prey selection of R. voulezi larvae was based both on species and zooplankton size. The size of the zooplankton ingested was related to the mouth gape size of larvae.     

Microdistribution and feeding dynamics of Coilia nasus (Engraulidae) larvae and juveniles in relation to the estuarine turbidity maximum of the macrotidal Chikugo River estuary,Ariake Sea,Japan

To evaluate the nursery value of the estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) for the anadromous engraulid fish Coilia nasus, physical and biological samples were collected along the macrotidal Chikugo River estuary, southwestern Japan, from June 2005 to January 2006. Generally, eggs were distributed upstream of the ETM, whereas larvae were distributed in the ETM. The first cohort was washed out of the estuary by a large flood in early July. The second cohort appeared after the flood, gradually extending its distributional area through the estuary and growing to 100 mm in standard length (SL) by December. Larvae and juveniles (20–100 mm SL) fed selectively on copepods, specifically large calanoid species, whereas more developed juveniles fed on mysids. Prey organisms in guts were significantly more abundant and present in greater weights in the ETM (salinity <10) than in the lower estuary (salinity >10). The better feeding conditions were primarily attributable to consistently high densities of two large calanoid species, Sinocalanus sinensis and Pseudodiaptomus inopinus, in the ETM. In contrast, the poor feeding conditions in the lower estuary were likely due to a seasonal decrease in copepod density and the dominance of small copepods such as Oithona spp. Given that better feeding conditions contribute positively to the growth and survival of larvae and juveniles, we conclude that the ETM has a significantly higher nursery value for C. nasus compared with other habitats in the Chikugo River estuary.     

Examination of a practical method for copper enrichment of euryhaline rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) as diet of Eriocheir sinensis zoea larvae

In this study, an effective method to enrich the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis with copper was developed as a feed for the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis zoea larvae. Changes in the concentrations of other minerals in rotifers were also examined when copper was added for rotifer enrichment. The ability of Chlorella to absorb waterborne copper is much higher than that of rotifers, and hence, copper was preaccumulated in Chlorella before its ingestion by rotifers. The copper content in rotifers was comparable to the dietary copper requirement of the crab larvae when the rotifers were enriched with 0.1 mg Cu g⁻¹ Chlorella for 12 h. Further enrichment in rotifers with Cu‐enriched Chlorella and lipid emulsions did not significantly change the profile of major fatty acids and mineral composition in the rotifers. Evidence shows the feasibility of copper enrichment in rotifers using microalgae that can accumulate copper. This study indicates that copper in rotifers can be enriched by feeding copper‐enriched algae at a concentration of 0.1–0.2 mg Cu g⁻¹ Chlorella. The developmental rates of E. sinensis can be improved by feeding zoea larvae with copper‐enriched rotifers, but survival rates were not affected by dietary copper enrichment.     

Do strain differences in microalgae alter their relative quality as a food for the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis?

Brachionus plicatilis is used in aquaculture to feed larval fish and crustaceans. It is well established that different prey species alter rotifer productivity. Isochrysis galbana is one microalgal prey that is commonly fed to rotifers, and there are several strains of this flagellate available to aquaculturists. As microalgae strains may differ in their composition and growth attributes, we rigorously examined if growth and biochemical differences in I. galbana strains elicit differences in the growth and biochemical attributes of B. plicatilis. Four I. galbana strains and one strain of the flagellate Nanochloropsis were grown under standard conditions. Growth rate, cell volume, production, and composition (dry weight, carbohydrate, protein, lipid) were measured. Significant differences occurred between strains in all of these attributes (at times 2 to 3 fold), but no clear pattern emerged that one strain was superior. Of note was that for some measurements, strain differences were significantly greater than differences between species. The strains were then fed to rotifers, and a number of parameters were measured: growth rate, reproductive rate, fecundity attributes, a number of developmental rates, and composition (dry weight, carbohydrate, protein, lipid). There were significant effects of prey strain on some of these attributes, but none was dramatic (rarely more than 10% and occasionally up to 30%), suggesting that aquaculturists need not be too concerned regarding which I. galbana strain they use. However, we do indicate subtle differences, induced by different prey strains and suggest that for maximum productivity these differences should be considered.