Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Dg934g Port Forwarding

32. Artemia: pet or live food?


THE SEA MONKEYS : PET SMART?

human health! I'm the queen Artemia VII, of the lineage of the Sea Monkeys from more than 100 million years

In the 70's comics publications and magazines with wide circulation around the world offered some mysterious slogans accompanied by a disturbing illustration:

"In the middle of summer time, our pets can give us more of a headache: we take the dog on vacation to the beach? How it will hold the kitten of spending fifteen days at the campsite? Who will come to feed the hamster? To save you much trouble, it is best to have a pet as called Sea Monkeys. "

(...)" To enjoy your new pet, simply type in the water envelopes tank where the eggs are, following step by step instructions on them. "

(...)" You see every day as they play and live in a small town in of the tank ... No doubt, a different and original pet! ".

This masterful marketing campaign, which still exists today, is credited to a scientist named Harold Von Braunhut German-born citizen and resident in Tennessee (USA), which decided to market them under the guise of instant pets and intelligent. The truth is that the propaganda was that many people would feel cheated, but at the time of the ads as "X-ray glasses" and other fantastic gadgets there were no organizations that protect consumers.

The complete kit for lovers of Sea Monkeys

The campaign is not limited to selling packets of sea monkeys (on 1 had a spoon with a water, 2 º "plasma living" were the eggs and the 3 rd food) but a veritable merchandising which included containers that could contain a pirate ship, an amusement park, urban facilities, mini-racing tracks horse ...

An aquarium with a welcoming city to accommodate the Sea Monkeys

Then, the German scientist who lived in the United States had created "tiny monkey aquatic mutant endowed with humanlike intelligence ??

Obviously not. The reality was quite different. It was the sale of some rare animals for the public, the brine shrimp, which are known precisely in English is monkeys Or also brine Shrimp.

Artemia Salina can be a "pet" but smart as all advertising seeks

The reason of naming the sea monkeys brine shrimp and should not be, of course, similarities or shape or size in primates. It is something more ingenious: artemia move through the water with the help of its long tail, similar to the way they do the real monkeys in the jungle with lianas among the branches of trees.

WHAT IS REALLY THE ARTEMIA?

This is the true aspect of Artemia Salina

The Artemia appeared on Earth 100 million years ago and during that time have hardly undergone evolutionary changes.

Life cycle of Artemia

full cycle of Artemia seen through the microscope

The Artemia belong to a very basic kind of crustaceans: the Anostraca and family Atemiidae . It is actually a tiny lobster, which has an exoskeleton made up of chitin like their older sisters.

Morphology of Artemia Artemia

The males differ from females in the head because they have structures that will stand out, while females have a very simple antennas. This is a modified and developed antennas for mating, the male subject them to the female. Females are at the base of the tail of the uterus, which is severely thickened.

clear dimorphism between females and males

are between 3 mm and 1.5 cm depending on age and environmental conditions. Just water salinity affects growth. The lower level of salinity is observed that the brine shrimp are larger than those living in salty waters.

This expansion can be clearly seen the three eyes (black dots) of Artemia, the two compounds at the ends and center naupliar

A noteworthy detail is that it has three eyes, two compound eyes and one naupliar. In the development cycle, when a young Artemia nauplii has one eye, and as it grows, it develops the other two compound eyes. Only their two compound eyes have photoreceptors sensitive to light.

Another level detail that you can see the mouth

Another notable rarity in these animals is that the male has two reproductive organs.

brine shrimp eggs (also called cysts) can be found in stores specializing in products for aquariums and terrariums.

These are eggs or Artemia presented to introduce water enveloping

cysts in nature are deposited at the bottom of salt lakes in the dry seasons when the salinity is concentrated. These eggs remain dormant, with an internal moisture level of 6 to 10%. Scientists estimate that can be maintained in this state from 50 to 1000 years.

With the rains and tides, the cysts absorb water and if the sun shines (a sign for the growth of plankton, algae and other) hatch after 24 -48 hours.

In times of drought the eggs remain in a dormant state waiting for the rains

ARTEMIA IS THERE FRESH WATER?

In aquariums long discussed the existence of a type of brine shrimp "modified" able to live in fresh water. The truth is that there really freshwater shrimp, but there is another creature that is often confused with it, Dendrocephalus the same order, but different genera and families. In fact, in aquariums and colloquial way to Dendrocephalus is called freshwater shrimp, because it looks amazingly identical morphologically that of Artemia Salina .

The Dendrocephalus lives in freshwater, but not a shrimp

Certainly Dendrocephalus are a novel alternative, their characteristics and high-protein, as food for aquarium fish and general.

In February 2004, published an enlightening and interesting research paper entitled: freshwater Artemia myth or reality? authored by Paul A. Calvino and Roberto Petracini belonging to Killi Club Argentino .

Those interested in the subject can access this document published as a supplement to the journal BIBKO freshwater Artemia myth or reality?. Pdf .

NATURAL HABITAT OF ARTEMIA

Contrary to what one might think, the habitat of Artemia is in the oceans or seas, but in mangroves , ponds, brackish ponds and lakes

The Artemia develop their life in brackish waters with large variations in the amount of salt. Both can be submerged in water with a high salt (more than 300 grams of salt per liter of water), and in almost fresh water. Found in brackish inland ponds, lakes (endorheic) or saline pools, but not in the seas or oceans. To get to adapt to these changes so extreme, evolution has endowed the creatures of an internal system to regulate the osmotic pressure of his body.

Artemia in their natural environment

are animals with a great capacity to colonize inhospitable environments, such as low water pools dry out very quickly. Almost all shrimp species living in the dry areas of the planet. The reason for this preference for more difficult is to avoid predators, particularly fish.

These tiny crustaceans can live in environments low in oxygen (due to the high salinity that support). To an increase of salinity in the water increase the synthesis of hemoglobin (the protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood to tissues in the body)

The Artemia parthenogenetica is particularly resistant to environmental hostilities

In Artemia often speak of endemism, with many species living in very restricted areas and concrete in the world.

An example of unique and endemic species in the case of Artemia monica , which is known to inhabit precisely in the Mono Lake in California (above)

Another completely opposite to the previous case is that of Artemia Tunisiana , widespread in Asia and Europe

The brine shrimp, but extended around the globe (the only continent that is not is in the Artártida) are located in specific pockets where they multiply in vast quantities. They are extremely abundant where they proliferate, have lived in very large groups. The secret of survival lies in its broad adaptation to the media where they live (face high and low content of mineral salts, poorly oxygenated water, lack of water, eggs, etc..). In these places can hardly survive predators.

The Artemia franciscana is found throughout the world

The Artemia franciscana, from Latin, can be found worldwide. In Europe we have in the wild, together with Artemia Tunisiana who also lives in Africa. The Artemia parthenogenetica live in Europe, in various salt from Italy, the eastern half of Spain, southern France, Greece or Turkey. Also existed in Europe Artemia salina in the salt of Lymington in southern England, but eventually die out (there were discovered and first studied 250 years ago.) However, at present, the Artemia salina, without having the specimens bred in captivity throughout the world, living in many parts of the world and we can see wild in central Asia, India, Sea Caspian (actually a salt lake), United States, southern Spain, Tunisia, Australia and even in Greenland.

The Artemia salina is the most widely distributed and marketed

CURIOUS BEHAVIOR OF ARTEMIA

The brine shrimp are attracted to light, like plants and many insects . This trend is called phototropism.

The Artemia feel an irresistible attraction towards the light

When we illuminate a specific area of \u200b\u200bthe vessel where they live, these small crustaceans are directed toward the light so curious and back. This is his way swimming routine, following straight paths that only an abrupt drop when frightened scared. In nature, like to swim upstream. FEEDING

ARTEMIA

These small crustaceans are filter feeders, called suspension feeders, as are many shellfish such as mussels or oysters. Current created by the movement of the thoracic appendages, the phyllopods, dried, filtered brine shrimp unicellular algae (Dunaliella , Tetrahedron , Chateocercos ) rotifers and detritus.

A good solution for Artemia fed in captivity spirulina

The type of food artemia filter depends on its size, namely the filtering silks filípodos, which act as a real filter. The larger Artemia are capable of filtering small crustaceans. The solubility is also important because poorly soluble food will not be well used by the brine shrimp, and crabs that feed on the food they are dissolved in water.

In captivity we feed the brine shrimp with a variety of ingredients as they are not selective (absorb it all.)

Artemia fed with Spirulina maxima

rotifers used in aquaculture and algae Isochrysis galbana , Dunaliella, Tetraselmis or Chateocercos , among others, although the alga Spirulina ( Spirulina maxima ) can also be used as feed for Artemia and indeed it is more readily available in stores, to also be a dietary supplement for people. Spirulina is rich in protein and essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals making it an excellent food for Artemia. This diet, but more affordable and economic, more dirty water than any other live food, so it is advisable to keep it clean water artemia (with periodic changes of water).

Rotifers are part of the diet of living things in the Artemia

In nature they feed on microscopic living creatures but also detritus and remains of organic matter that has been in the muddy bottoms. This means that these crustaceans are adapted to inert food.

Thus the inert food can be provided to Artemia as a homogeneous mixture of rice flour, wheat germ, wheat bran rice, soy flour, egg yolk, spirulina and yeast.

Artemia Many breeders keep them in water with green algae as a nutritional source

THE CAPTIVE ARTEMIA: BREEDING CONDITIONS

If our intention is to have live brine shrimp, then offer key points to consider for the eggs to have a proper hatch. Normally our acquisition of Artemia is through their eggs and let's start with this phase, through all stages of life:

1. Within bottles or tanks, Artemia grow comfortably in well-oxygenated waters with a basic pH (between 7.5 and 8.5) and a temperature around 25 ° C.

For the eggs hatch in the water adds oxygen

2. Although these animals endure a salinity varied (including almost sweet water) is recommended for every liter of sweet guide add 38 grams of salt without iodine (importantísimo!).
3. we use tap water if we let it stand a couple of days to evaporate the chlorine.
4. Artemia When they reach 1 inch in length after four weeks ago, is when they have reached maturity and are ready to breed, as they have developed their sexual organs.

5. To encourage the development of eggs have to increase salinity and decrease to food shortages. Eggs produced under these conditions can last for many years dormant dry ( cryptobiosis ). To hatch we rehydrated as described in the first point.

6. The chorion is the substance produced by a gland of the brine shrimp (shell gland) that surrounds the eggs and protects the environment. The greater the density of water, the greater the protective layer of eggs and the eggs needed more time to hatch.

7. Watching artemia female whose uterus is clear, we can predict their eggs (an orange spot) if we fry shrimp soon.

8. There Artemia strains that reproduce by parthenogenesis , but the most striking case is that of Artemia parthenogenetica whose individuals reproduce most of the time in a parthenogenetic . parthenogenetic reproduction can colonize new environments because it creates a lot of new individuals on the sole condition that these environments are suitable for shrimp, with no major changes in habitat conditions

ARTEMIA : the food of LORDS AQUARIUM

The custom is to feed the newly hatched fish nauplii hatched from eggs

Live food is always an excellent source of nutrition for the species in captivity. Apart from its excellent dietary intake, live animals used for food stimulate the predatory nature of fish, reptiles, amphibians, etc. we maintain.

To fry food no better live nauplii

The shrimp is one of the best meals we can provide to our animals captivity. Aquariology used in aquaculture and as food because of its high nutritional value. They are rich in protein and unsaturated lipids of omega-3 type important nutrients for the development of the fry and also its high content of carotenoids helps the fish have brilliant colors.

For this reason, rearing of Artemia is an economical and feasible to always have a source of live food.

adult Artemia live food is a very convenient and easy to produce

Although adults Artemia is an excellent contribution to food, very suitable for some larger fish, some still remain in use, being used almost exclusively instead of the brine shrimp larvae or nauplii because of their greater availability in the market obtained from commercial cysts Artemia. Experts recommend allowing the growth of the nauplii to reach their adult stage, they are best as live food for fish and crustaceans on the one hand, and another more suitable for freshwater fish as disks.

The brine shrimp are small crustaceans very short life, its longevity is just over 2 months old in the case of Artemia parthenogenetica. Males still live as long as the female Artemia. However, Artemia salina more time living with a life expectancy of almost 1 year. For this reason, we calculate the time and the cycles of Artemia maintained, depending on the species.

Always keep providing live food fish and ensures that our bodies stay strong and healthy

THE "ARTEMIERO": STEP BY STEP

Gathering information in various forums and websites about the systems for the reproduction of Artemia, unanimously finally found a method that is highly recommended to use a "artemiero" concrete.

Although there are many types of "artemieros" we have chosen the easiest to use

The "artemiero" chosen as a disc and the eggs are deposited in the outer ring

This unit is where we will put Artemia cysts are born and where we will check your progress. There is no need to advertise on this device, because the images are recognized by their appearance and their characteristics in They are as follows:

A. is extremely simple and easy to handle. It is very clean and takes up little space.
B. Based on an ingenious technique which avoids the leftover shells can collect eggs and clean only the nauplius born.
C. does not require additional elements: no air pump or brine extraction tubes, or filters ...

1. First we produce salt water so the shrimp can hatch:

in a plastic bottle of water from two liters introduce a reverse osmosis system. This water is suitable levels for the brine (pH = 7.5 and conductivity = 80mS). Then we add salt to achieve a density of 1-020 - 1030, which is best for the shrimp. Plays a key role here densitometer: a typical thermometer aquarium has added the role of density measurement at the top. If you do not have hydrometer if you follow the instructions on artemiero itself, the salt mixture is obtained from a number of teaspoons of salt in a determined quantity of water (a pint). In practice, this technique is not advisable because it is difficult to ascertain with water density and thus the quality and quantity of shrimp produced is significantly reduced. Note that a hydrometer is a device very simple and inexpensive (15 € / $ 20 approx.) And it is worth the investment.

2. Once we have the correct density of water proceed to fill the tank of artemiero to the mark or notch as shown in the side of it (about 600 cubic centimeters). The excess water can be saved for future replenishments as they do not lose quality.

3. is recommended that the water deposited in the artemiero is maintained at a stable temperature about 25 º C. To achieve this temperature there is a very common trick that is to use a gooseneck lamp to provide light also heats the water.

4. Place the plastic spacer concentrically as shown in the image (white rings are displayed in the center). Place the strainer in its central position rather depressed (below should not be air bubbles). This strainer will allow you to cleanly remove once it has hatched brine shrimp.

5. Now is the time to introduce eggs shrimp. The artemiero comes with a tiny "spoon" meter (see photo above) which are used to calculate the amount of brine to enter. Do not enter more than your meter indicates that otherwise would undermine the quality of water.

6. Important: brine shrimp eggs should be stored in glass jars in a dry place in the fridge. This is important for their conservation. Deposited as eggs in the outermost part of artemiero spread evenly. Done, close to the black cover and leave it in position "closed."

7. 's it, now if the temperature is maintained at 25 ° C in 24 hours start to be born nauplii artemia and we have to feed our fish.

Non Stop Production of Artemia:

To ensure sufficient production of shrimp during the feeding of fry growing or if you want a continuous source of live food artemieros can use two at once:

artemieros

two are listed with the number "ONE" and "DOS." We rode the first one (ONE), 24h or 48h to assemble the second artemiero (DOS). A artemiero provides enough food for three days, depending of course, the number of offspring and aquariums to feed. When mounting artemieros in series, the third day, the UNO artemiero has completed its production, while the DOS artemiero is in full production of brine shrimp and can prepare artemiero UNO again for a new production.

This point is very interesting that a single artemiero can be used to produce "twice" nauplii without changing the water. That is, the third day of producing artemia, you can re-enter a "measure" of eggs in the back of artemiero.

A tip: once you have passed three days for the second production in the same artemiero, should be thoroughly cleaned and the procedure described at the beginning of this section.

For safety and control experts use a notebook or mark on a calendar (typical kitchen) on the measures that are put egg with a "1" if the artemiero ONE and a "2" if the artemiero DOS. One trick is to dial the number with a circle to indicate that it is the first time they lay eggs in that artemiero and so we know we can still put a second batch of eggs. If we put on the calendar the number without a circle indicates that three days later we reassemble the artemiero.

NOTE: With the information provided in this article we always have shrimp supply. The benefits of feeding our fish, amphibians and some reptiles with this source of live food are huge. The brine produces a low bioburden, which helps maintain stable water parameters (something that does not happen with food carrier). To this we add the importance of its excellent nutritional content, very comprehensive and hard to find in other foods. And the importance of predators can operate your reflexes to capture that "food" elusive and moving.

On the other hand, the fantastic idea of \u200b\u200bhaving smart and tiny pets as presented commercially sea monkeys faces the idea of \u200b\u200bmaking them live food for infants higher. It would be terrible sacrifice of these fairy tale characters as they did with those unlucky pirates throwing overboard to the sharks ...

- Family, I think tonight we will be dinner for a Clownfish

artificial ecosystem Notebooks
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