The growth performance of Acanthocyclops trajani (Mirabdullayev and Defaye, 2002) fed by dry diets

The effects of different powdered dried diets on density and population growth rate of cyclopoid copepod Acanthocyclops trajani was studied. To this intention, the copepod were mass cultured in 120 liter tanks by feeding on different diets including: dried compound of microalgae: Scenedesmus obliquus and Spirulina maxima (1:1), dried macroalgae Gracilaria corticata and dried composition of vegetables (spinage, parsley and coriander) and the population density were studied by sampling (every 3 days during 1 month). The results indicated that the highest total mean population density (1445±298 ind/L), the highest growth rate (0/145/d) and the shortest population doubling time (4/76d) were obtained from dried microalgae complex diet which was significantly different from other dried diets (p < 0/05). On the basis of the results, Despite the nutritional needs of freshwater cyclopoid copepod to animal protein, dried algae as an available and nutritious diet has resulted good production and growth rate in this copepod.