Optimum Salinity and Temperature Condition for Mass Culture of the Brackish Water Flea, Diaphanosoma celebensis

摘要

This study investigated the optimum salinity and temperature conditions for mass culture of the brackish water flea, Diaphanosoma celebensis. Community and individual cultures of flea were maintained in 1 L beakers and 3 mL vessels (of a 12-well culture plate), respectively, and fed green algae, Tetraselmis suecica. In salinity experiments ranging from 5 to 34 psu, continuous growth of flea populations was found up to 34 psu. However, the specific growth rate and life span of females showed decreasing tendencies with the increase of salinity. The highest maximum density and offspring number were 33.6 individuals (ind.)/mL and 55.3 ind. at 10 psu, respectively. In the temperature experiments ranging from 20 to 40°C, population growth of D. celebensis increased continuously until 35°C and then decreased over 40 °C. The specific growth rate was significantly higher at 25 and 30 °C than at 20 and 40 °C. Female life span tended to decrease with temperature increase. The highest maximum density andoffspring number were 52.3 ind./mL and 46.0 ind. at 30°C, respectively. These results suggest that the optimum salinity and temperature for mass culture of D. celebensis may be 10 psu and 30°C, respectively