Feeding ω-3 PUFA enriched rotifers to Galaxias maculatus (Jenyns, 1842) larvae reared at different salinity conditions: effects on growth parameters, survival and fatty acids profile

Abstract

Despite the well known importance of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in marine and freshwater fish larvae, there are few studies on how essential fatty acid requirements and composition on whole body can be altered by changes in water salinity. The present study aimed to determine the effect of salinity on ω-3 PUFA requirements, larval growth survival and fatty acid composition of G. maculatus larvae cultured at two different salinities (0 and 15 g∙L-1) for 20 days while fed rotifers containing two different levels of ω-3 PUFA (1.87 and 3.16%). The results denoted a marked difference in ω-3 PUFA requirements and in the pattern of fatty acid deposition in the whole body of larvae reared at different salinities, depending of ω-3 PUFA in diets. Thus, to improve growth and survival larvae of G. maculatus reared at 0 g∙L-1 require higher levels of ω-3 PUFA, principally 18: 3ω-3. Larvae reared at salinities of 15 g∙L-1 require low levels of ω-3 PUFA for optimal survival, especially 18: 3ω-3. Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid content in the whole body of larvae was also affected by water salinity.

Optimization of Artemia Feed Regimes for Larval Giant Kōkopu (Galaxias argenteus)

“…This suggests that, despite the lower overall EPA, PUFA, and HUFA supplied by the instar-II+ Artemia, it is sufficient to meet the demands for the somatic growth of the larvae. The closely related Galaxias maculatus has shown that, when cultured under high-salinity conditions, higher levels of EPA and PUFA are not critical, while DHA is important in the larval development of the eye and neural networks, which can lead to detrimental impacts on the feeding ability, growth performance, and survival [28,31,[33][34][35][36][37]. In the present study, the DHA fatty acid level was absent in both Artemia feeds.…”