Influence of phosphate in the growth and biochemical composition of the Chlorophyceae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and implications on production and biochemical composition of the Anostraca Dendrocephalus brasiliensis fed with this algae

Abstract

Aquaculture is an expanding activity in Brazil and in the world, but there are great difficulties in the production of fish's larvae and alevins, and other aquatic organisms, due to the difficulty of accepting dry rations as a first food. Thus, the availability of live food, especially zooplankton, is essential to ensure survival and healthy development of young stages of fish and crustaceans. However, obtaining enough zooplankton biomass to attend growing worldwide demand is still a huge obstacle to aquaculture. The Neotropical freshwater Anostraca Dendrocephalus brasiliensis has a great potential for use in national aquaculture, due to its big size, easy growing and high attractivity to fish. This anostracean is a filter-feeding and consumes large amounts of algae. Biochemical composition of many species of micro algae can be modified by changing environmental conditions of growth media. Thus, this study aims to analyze the biochemical composition of the Chlorophyta Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata grown under different phosphate (K2HPO4) concentrations and check its influence on secondary production and biochemical composition of D. brasiliensis fed with this alga. (AU)