Microalgae larval feed

Rearing of the larvae is then managed in specifically designed tanks, often necessitating provision of specific larval diets that include both live feeds (microalgae, rotifers, and Artemia) and manufactured feeds. For most of the crustaceans,... 

Microalgae, the microscopic plants present in oceans and waterways, are exploited as an indispensible food source for the commercial production of many aquaculture species. Within the hatchery environment, they are directly eaten by all growth stages of bivalves (broodstock, larvae, juveniles), post-set abalone, the larval stages of some crustacean species, and the very early developmental stages of some fish species. Microalgae are also used as feed to culture zooplankton (e.g. Anemia, rotifers, copepods) that are used as food for larval and juvenile stages of many fish and crustacean species. 

In addition to applications as direct and indirect feeds mentioned above, the heterotrophic production of microalgae can potentially provide a cost-effective source of nutrient components, e.g. marine protein, PUFA or astaxanthin, that can be incorporated into formulated feeds for larval stages and beyond. Harel and Place (2004) provide more detail on the broad applications of heterotrophic production of marine algae for aquaculture. 

With the development of the aquaculture industry and the need by hatcheries to rear larval and juvenile aquaculture animals came the need for production of microalgae as live feeds. While some hatcheries grow microalgae in multiples of relatively small scale culture containers, for example 20 litre carboys, it is more common for miCToalgal cultures to be grown in disposable plastic bags (200-1000 litres is typical) that are either supported vertically (Plate 9.1b) in metal frames or lie horizontally. 

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