Variations in Morphology of the Brine Shrimp, Artemia in Response to Environment

Abstract

<p> Members of a Californian species of Artemia were raised in brines of four different specific gravities, (1.028, 1.062, 1.090, and 1.120), with the other environmental factors held as constant as possible. Three populations of the shrimp (1.028, 1.090, and 1.120) followed a typical growth curve, while the fourth group (1.062) did not. The dimensions of the mature specimens could be related to the specific gravities of their environments by a formula of the general form y = ax + b </p> <p> These results were, SPECIFIC GRAVITY= 1.19 - .359(±.018)WTHCAF - .067(±.010)LTHSTE +.012(±.003)ABDLTH +.097(±.032)DEPTHU for a mature population.</p> <p> An inverse relationship between biomass and specific gravity was determined as was a direct relation between specific gravity of the media, and inorganic residue left after the organic material of the shrimp had been burnt away.</p>