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How to increase productivity of the copepod A cartia tonsa ( D ana): effects of population density and food concentration
Author(s) -
Zhang Jianshe,
Ianora Adrianna,
Wu Changwen,
Pellegrini David,
Esposito Francesco,
Buttino Isabella
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
aquaculture research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-2109
pISSN - 1355-557X
DOI - 10.1111/are.12456
Subject(s) - acartia tonsa , biology , copepod , fecundity , hatching , zoology , population , productivity , population density , ecology , crustacean , demography , macroeconomics , sociology , economics
In this study, we analysed the effect of population density and food concentration on the fecundity of a M editerranean strain of A cartia tonsa to maximize egg production. During 4‐day feeding experiments, egg hatching success and faecal pellet production were also followed. The algae R hinomonas reticulata was supplied at different concentrations corresponding to 250, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 3000 μg C L −1 day −1 at the following adult copepod density: 40, 80 and 160 ind. L −1 . Our results show a positive relationship between algal concentration and egg production under all experimental conditions confirming that the quantity of food strongly limits A . tonsa fecundity. Maximum egg production (57 eggs per female) was reached at the lowest density and at the maximum food concentration. Percentage of egg hatching success was not dependent on the quantity of food used. At the same food concentration, an increase in population density from 40 to 80 ind. L −1 induced an increase in faecal pellet production per couple which did not correspond to an increase in egg production, suggesting that higher energetic costs were shifted to swimming activity. Productivity of the A . tonsa M editerranean strain is mainly limited by the quantity of food rather than by crowding conditions.