Quality evaluation of the invader species, Artemia franciscana from Covelong salt works, Kelambakkam, South India

The quality of the invader brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana, colonized in Covelong salt works, Kelambakkam (South India) was evaluated based on biometrics, hatching characteristics and nutritional composition of cyst and freshly hatched nauplii. Hydrated cysts measured 238.31±10.42 μm in diameter, while the freshly hatched nauplii measured about 429.00±12.19 μm in length. A hatching of 76.80±5.68% was obtained with hydrated cysts. Time required to obtain 90% hatching was 22.31 hrs for this strain. The hatching synchronization time was of 4.41 hrs. The proximate composition of the decapsulated cysts and newly hatched nauplii showed high level of protein, energy content and low ash content. Fatty acids analysis of the freshly hatched nauplii indicated low level of EPA and absence (or undetectable) of DHA.