Production of cysts and biomass of the exotic species of brine shrimp Artemia franciscana (Kellog) in out-door culture system

Abstract

The production of cysts and biomass of the exotic species of brine shrimp Artemia franciscana was studied for a period of 90 days in out- door culture system at a salinity range of 38 to 83 ppt. From the initial stocking density of 231 to 294 nauplii / 700 l of brine the population density steadily increased and reached the maximum of 389.7 to 565.3 numbers / l on 38th day of culture. The total quantity of cysts and biomass harvested from the culture system ranged from 26.450 g to 33.860 g and from 813.6 g to 1226.7 g respectively. The first maturity and first spawning were recorded at the age of 7-8 and 12-13 days respectively and the maximum density of 59.3 riding pairs / l was recorded on 59th day of culture . The prospect of the culture of the exotic species is discussed in this pape