A multi-generation Schmakeria poplesia culturing system for use in ecotoxicological study

Abstract

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 with which future experiments on the biological effects of pollutants in marine and estuary environments can be better performed. A population of calanoid copepod, Schmakeria poplesia, was collected in December 2003 and maintained in a static system through all stages (eggs to adults). The population exhibited 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 Isochrysis galbana was more favored for the reproduction of copepods than Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and 10×104cells mL−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 offspring to initiate a new generation.