Effect of aeration on brood production and size of Moina micrura Kurz, 1874 (Crustacea: Anomopoda)

Abstract

The effect of aeration in laboratory cultures of Moina micrura was studied and compared with non-aerated cultures with respect to egg production in egg-bearing females, the number of eggs per egg-bearing female and the biomass of the organisms in the cultures. The number of egg-bearing females, the number of eggs per egg-bearing female and the biomass of Moina were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in aerated compared to non-aerated cultures. Dissolved oxygen and pH levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in aerated than in non-aerated cultures while the reverse was the case with conductivity and ammonia. Results of the study indicate that aeration has a positive impact on the growth and reproduction of the freshwater cladoceran, Moina micrura.


Key Words: culture, Moina micrura, aeration, egg production, biomass.


Journal of Aquatic Sciences Vol.19(2) 2004: 107-112