Research on Artemia and Rotifer Enrichment Methods

Research on Artemia and Rotifer Enrichment Methods

Rotifers and Artemia sp. are widely used as first foods in the culture of almost all marine fish species. As rotifers and Artemia are naturally deficient in HUFAs it is necessary to enrich these live foods with essential fatty acids prior to offering them to the larvae. Enrichments frequently employed to enhance the fatty acid composition of prey items include lipid emulsions, live microalgae and paste that include various marine fish and/or PUFA oils. The polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3). and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3)., have been shown to be essential in the diet of marine fish larvae. Also, Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is required in larval fish diets. Scoliosis, distorted gill filaments, short operculae and snout are some of the gross signs of ascorbate deficiency. The aim of this study is to review a variety of substances used in Artemia and rotifer enrichment.

Rotifers and Artemia sp. are widely used as first foods in the culture of almost all marine fish species. As rotifers and Artemia are naturally deficient in HUFAs it is necessary to enrich these live foods with essential fatty acids prior to offering them to the larvae. Enrichments frequently employed to enhance the fatty acid composition of prey items include lipid emulsions, live microalgae and paste that include various marine fish and/or PUFA oils. The polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3). and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3)., have been shown to be essential in the diet of marine fish larvae. Also, Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is required in larval fish diets. Scoliosis, distorted gill filaments, short operculae and snout are some of the gross signs of ascorbate deficiency. The aim of this study is to review a variety of substances used in Artemia and rotifer enrichment.