Ecological surveys on the parthenogenetic Artemia populations in the hypersaline lakes of Anatolia, Turkey

Armin Eskandari̇,Yasemin Saygi

doi:10.3906/zoo-1902-24

Abstract

The objective of this study is to provide information on the parthenogenetic Artemia populations in some hypersaline lakes of Anatolia (Tuz, Bolluk, Tersakan, and Acıgöl). Sampling studies were performed for abiotic factors and population parameters between November 2009 and October 2010. During the survey we focused on the local Artemia populations to investigate population dynamics, reproduction, brood size, and cyst and naupliar biometrics. Generally, the Artemia habitats in Anatolia were relatively shallow, and thus they were subject to major seasonal fluctuations. Dramatic declines in population size in Tuz and Acıgöl Lakes were found during this study. All Artemia populations were parthenogenetic and brood sizes of females showed significant differences among the populations (P < 0.05). The largest brood size was observed in the Acıgöl population and it may be concluded that local conditions for reproductive success were more adequate in this population. Substantial differences among populations were revealed during the studies on cyst and naupliar biometry. Cyst diameter mean values ranged from 231.8 to 266.9 µm. The cyst diameters for the Acıgöl population are determined as the smallest in these populations and among the smallest values recorded in parthenogenetic populations. The total length of newly hatched nauplii ranged from 484 to 512 µm for these populations.

Highlights

Hypersaline habitats are abundant worldwide, and these habitats are shelters for migratory birds and the home of unique native fauna well adapted to extremely harsh conditions
The highest concentrations of chlorine and sodium were measured in Tuz Lake, the highest sulfate concentration was determined in Acıgöl Lake, and the highest magnesium concentration was found in Bolluk Lake (Table 2)
Asexual parthenogenetic populations have been classified in Artemia parthenogenetica in some studies (Browne and Bowen, 1991); this binomen is generally no longer accepted

Summary

Introduction

Hypersaline habitats are abundant worldwide, and these habitats are shelters for migratory birds and the home of unique native fauna well adapted to extremely harsh conditions. The brine shrimp Artemia is a specialized organism able to live under harsh conditions such as extreme salinity, temperature, frequent desiccation, anoxia, and predation. Artemia is a dominant inhabitant organism of hypersaline lakes and it produces diapausing eggs to overcome extreme conditions (Torrentera and Dodson, 2004). It is able to resist the severe physiological stress created by habitats with various adaptations. The best known way of adaptation is based on an interchangeable life cycle. The life cycle of Artemia begins as an embryo within a dormant cyst. Embryos can go into diapause and the development of embryos can be arrested for many years; they can escape from harsh environmental conditions (Clegg and Trotman, 2002)

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