The effect of single-cell detritus produced by the gutweed (Enteromorpha intestinalis) on filter-feeder growth: Artemia franciscana as a case study

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Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the single-cell detritus (SCD) produced by Enteromorpha intestinalis (gutweed) in order to develop a suitable diet for Artemia (brine shrimp) as a way of reducing its dependence on microalgae. This involved examining the effects of the SCD diet on the survival rate, growth performance, and reproductive characteristics of Artemia franciscana under laboratory conditions. The Artemia were fed 05 different diets, each diet administered in three replications. Commercial shrimp feed was used as the control and the four test diets comprised shrimp feed replaced by SCD in proportions of 100, 75, 50, and 25%. The 100% shrimp food diet promoted the highest reproduction (90 offspring/female), but the 25% replacement also gave positive results (78 offspring/female). In terms of growth, the 25% replacement produced the greatest length (10.3 mm) on Day 14. The findings indicate that the diet with 25% SCD should be further studied to determine its applicability to feeding Artemia or other filter feeders.

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