The culture of Artema salina (brine shrimp) in northern Namibia

Abstract

Abstract by author:

Culturing Artemia salina (brine shrimp), which is a zooplankton used to feed fish and other crustaceans, is a practical mean to improve diets and supplement natural food. Artemia was cultivated to specifically feed catfish larvae (Clarias gariepnus). The two objectives were to study the cultivation of Artemia for larval aquaculture organisms and to cultivate Artemia in a freshwater medium supplemented with salt. 100 grams of Artemia cysts were hydrated, decapsulated and hatched. Hatching was successfully completed in 15-24 hours and nauplii at Instar I stage were obtained. There were fluctuations in environmental conditions during hatching and to a certain degree they were able to be controlled and returned back to normal. Hatched Artemia nauplii were harvested, counted and fed to 20 catfish larvae. About 240, 000, 000 nauplii hatched in 60 litres of water. Unused Artemia nauplii were stored in the refrigerator for some time until the next feeding. Feeding was done at least two times ay day for 10 consecutive days