Biomass production and nutritional value of Artemia sp. (Anostraca: Artemiidae) in Campeche, México
Teresita D.N.J. Maldonado-Montiel & Leticia G. Rodríguez-Canché*
Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Av. Agustín Melgar s/n Campeche 24030, Campeche, México. Tel +52 (981) 81 1 98 00 x 73002 Fax +52 (981) 81 198 00 x 73099 * Centro de Estudios de Desarrollo Sustentable y Aprovechamiento de la Vida Silvestre. Av. Agustín Melgar s/n Campeche 24030, Campeche, México. Tel +52 (981) 81 1 98 00 x 62500 Fax +52 (981) 81 198 00 x 62599; lgrodrig@mail.uacam.mx Received 23-IV-2002. Corrected 13-X-2004 Accepted 10-XII-2004.

Abstract: Biomass of the crustacean Artemia sp. has multiple uses. The biochemical composition and biomass production of Artemia grown from cysts produced by a native population from Real de Salinas were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Nauplii (instar I) were stocked at density of 10 nauplii/ml in 1.5 l tanks, fed with rice bran from day 2 to day 6, and with the microalgae Tetraselmis suecica from day 7 to day 15. At the end of the trial (day 15) the average length was 5.34 mm, biomass production was 15.72 g/l (wet weight), and survival was 79%. The proximal analysis and biochemical composition of Artemia biomass indicated that its nutrient percentages are closely similar to Artemia from other regions, making this species a suitable food for cultured fish and crustacean. Rev. Biol. Trop. 53(3-4): 447-454. Epub 2005 Oct 3. Key words: Artemia, biomass production, biochemical composition, brine shrimp, culture, Mexico.

In Mexico, aquaculture activities are currently expanding. Campeche is a coastal state in southern Gulf of Mexico where aquaculture is gaining importance. Some endemic finfish and crustacean species seem to have aquaculture potential, but live food availability is one of the major constraints for the culture development of these species. Studies on native Artemia populations represent an