This study demonstrates the nutritional and functional potential of selected marine microalgal strains as live feed for Oithona rigida, a copepod of significant value in tropical aquaculture. Feeding trials confirmed that Nannochloropsis oceanica isolates MACC 24, MACC 26, MACC 22, and MACC 23 markedly improved copepod performance, supporting their application in fish and crustacean hatcheries. Biochemical characterization revealed clear strain-specific advantages. N. oceanica MACC 24 and Picochlorum sp. MACC 13 were carbohydrate-rich, whereas MACC 25, MACC 26, and MACC 27 exhibited elevated lipid levels, indicating potential as sustainable alternatives to fish oil in larval diets. Chlorella marina showed high protein content, making it suitable for juvenile and broodstock nutrition. ICP-MS analysis identified magnesium as the dominant element, particularly abundant in MACC 25 and Chlorella marina. FAME profiling confirmed essential fatty acids, including palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, EPA, and DHA, while amino acid analysis positioned MACC 24 as the most nutritionally superior strain. Overall, the results support a strain-specific blended microalgal strategy to enhance growth, immunity, and sustainability in aquaculture, with O.rigida serving as an efficient live feed intermediary in tropical systems.
The present study underscores the nutritional and functional versatility of select marine microalgal strains as live feed candidates for Oithona rigida, a copepod species with high potential in tropical aquaculture. Feeding trials revealed that Nannochloropsis oceanica isolates MACC 24, MACC 26, MACC 22, and MACC 23 significantly enhanced copepod performance, validating their suitability for live feed applications in commercially important fish and crustacean hatcheries. Biochemical profiling demonstrated that N. oceanica MACC 24 and Picochlorum sp. MACC 13 possess the highest carbohydrate concentrations, while MACC 25, MACC 26, and MACC 27 are lipid dense strains capable of replacing fish oil in larval diets. Chlorella marina, with its high protein and moderate carbohydrate content, is particularly suited for juvenile and broodstock supplementation. The pigment diversity across strains especially in MACC 25, MACC 26, MACC 13, and MACC 24 supports their strategic use in PUFA enrichment and nutrient dense feed formulations.
The present study underscores the nutritional and functional versatility of select marine microalgal strains as live feed candidates for Oithona rigida, a copepod species with high potential in tropical aquaculture. Feeding trials revealed that Nannochloropsis oceanica isolates MACC 24, MACC 26, MACC 22, and MACC 23 significantly enhanced copepod performance, validating their suitability for live feed applications in commercially important fish and crustacean hatcheries. Biochemical profiling demonstrated that N. oceanica MACC 24 and Picochlorum sp. MACC 13 possess the highest carbohydrate concentrations, while MACC 25, MACC 26, and MACC 27 are lipid dense strains capable of replacing fish oil in larval diets. Chlorella marina, with its high protein and moderate carbohydrate content, is particularly suited for juvenile and broodstock supplementation. The pigment diversity across strains especially in MACC 25, MACC 26, MACC 13, and MACC 24 supports their strategic use in PUFA enrichment and nutrient dense feed formulations.
Indian Biological Data Centre