OPTIMAL WATER CHARACTERISTICS FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION OF CYSTS OF THE BRINE SHRIMP, ARTEM1A IN SALT PONDS

摘要

Experiments were conducted to identify optimal water depth, pH, salinity, and temperature in salt ponds, for influencing cyst production of the brine shrimp, Anemia. The results show that a water depth of 40 cm gave the highest cyst production (63.7 kg/ha) followed by 30 cm depth (52.1 kg/ha), in 90 days. Cyst production decreased with an increase in water depth from 40 to 50 and further to 60 cm. Cyst production started at a salinity of 95 ppt and higher. The highest production of cysts was recordedon the 39th day after the introduction of the nauplii in the salt ponds. A pH above 7.5 was suitable, while a water temperature of 31°C gave the highest survival (43%) of Anemia nauplii on the 15th day in comparison to 55% on the first day. The lowestsurvival, 25%, was recorded on the 1st day at 35°C, which further reduced to 8% on the 15th day. Similarly, the hatching percentage of Anemia cysts was highest (63%) at 27°C and lowest (25%) at 35°C. Therefore, while undertaking Anemia cyst productionin salt ponds, a water depth of 40 cm, a salinity of 95 ppt or higher, a pH of 7.5 or higher, and a water of temperature 33°C or lower are desirable for achieving optimal results.