A Multi-Generation Schmakeriapoplesia Culturing System for Use in Ecotoxicological Study

• Published in: Journal of Ocean University of China 2009, Vol.8 (1), p.30-34
• Main Author: HUANG Ying ZHU Liyan QIU Xuchun QI Benjin ZHANG Tianwen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 卵产量; 有毒污染; 浮游生物
• ISSN: 1672-5182; 1993-5021

Crustacean zooplankton form the keystone link between primary producers and fish stocks in marine and estuary, ecosystems. We have established a multi-generation cultivation system for zooplankton ruth which future experiments on the biological effects of pollutants in marine and estuary environments can be better performed. A population of calanoid copepod, Sehmakeria poplesia, was collected in December 2003 and maintained in a static system through all stages （eggs to adults）. The population ex- hinted an average developmental time of 13.6 d in conditions corresponding to the natural environment （water temperature 20~C salinity 15）. A series of experiments were performed to examine copepod egg production and hatching success as functions of food type and feeding concentration. Results in our study showed that Isoehrysis galbana was more favored for the reproduction of cope- pods than Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and 10xl0%ellsmL-1 was the most practical algae concentration. We have demonstrated that the Schmakeria poplesia population can be maintained in the laboratory through multiple generations. In addition, methods to control egg production through changes in food concentration have been established, making it feasible to control the start date of exposure experiments or the timing of the collection of oftspring to initiate a new generation.