World Aquaculture Singapore 2022

November 29 - December 2, 2022

Singapore

THE STUDY OF DIFFERENT CULTURE CONDITIONS FOR THE CULTURE OF ROTIFERS B. rotundiformis

Lim M.* and Loh J.

Diploma in Veterinary Technology, School of Applied Science, Temasek   

Polytechnic, Singapore 529757

1702816H@tp.edu.sg

 



Rotifers are commonly cultured in marine fish farms as live feed for fish larvae. Different methods of culturing rotifers are employed depending on the desired yield and resources the farmer is willing to put in. The aim of this experiment was to find out the most cost-effective method of culturing rotifers (Brachionus rotundiformis) which resulted in the highest yield in Goodview Aquarium’s outdoor environment. Three trials were carried out for a duration of 10 to 12 days each. The first trial tested on the use of different feed types: activated baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), Live Algae (Nannochloropsis) and the formulated feed Selco S.parkle. The second trial tested on different feeding frequencies, at 2 times, 6 times and 12 times a day. Finally, the third trial tested the effects of water change, comparing an RAS system against 25% and 50% manual water change. From the first trial, it was found that feeding baker’s yeast resulted in the highest rotifer population, at 11.5 million rotifers. For the second trial, it was revealed that feeding the rotifers twice a day yielded the highest rotifer population, at 3 million rotifers. Lastly, the third trial showed that carrying out manual water change resulted in the highest rotifer population, at about 1 million rotifers, regardless of the amount of water change. However, there were several factors present during the trials that may have affected the results, such as the contamination by ciliates and quality of the feed, causing them to be inaccurate. In conclusion, the results showed that feeding the rotifers with baker’s yeast twice a day, while carrying out manual water change was the most effective way to culture rotifers in Goodview Aquarium’s outdoor environment.