Microbial feedstock for filter feeding aquatic organisms

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of cultivating filter feeders such as Artemia by substituting special microorganisms for naturally occurring microscopic algae, and providing conditions optimal for the growth of these organisms. These substituted special microorganisms provide an abundant food source for Artemia and subsequently the Artemia provide a food source for higher order members of the marine food chain.

1 . A method for cultivating filter feeders comprising the steps of: providing tanks with: seawater having microorganisms; adding essential elements to said seawater; adding a food source to said seawater forming a mixture and aerating said mixture continuously thereby forming a dense bloom of bacterial; and adding artemia cysts to said mixture. 
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said essential elements are selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, iron and phosphorous. 
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said microorganisms are bacteria selected from the group consisting of  Bacillus megatherium  and  Vibrio alginolyticus.    
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said microorganisms are wild saltwater bacteria. 
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein said bacteria are genetically engineered to promote additional nutritional properties. 
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein said bacteria are clonal bacteria selected from the group consisting of  Bacillus megatherium  and  Vibrio alginolyticus.    
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said food source is sucrose. 
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said food source is selected from the group consisting of molasses, peanut cake, sugar cane syrup and sugar beet syrup. 
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said filter feeders are Artemia. 
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said filter feeders are selected from the group consisting of clams and mollusk. 
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 9  further comprising the step of harvesting adult Artemia from said seawater. 
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 1  further comprising the step of disinfecting said seawater. 
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 10  wherein said disinfection step comprises the addition of chlorine to said seawater. 
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 12  wherein said disinfection step comprises autoclaving said seawater. 
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 12  wherein said disinfection step comprises filtering said seawater. 
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 1  further comprising the step of exchanging said seawater to prevent unwanted organism. 
   
   
       17 . A method of preparing food for larvae of fish or crustacean, whereby nauplii released by the development of Artemia cysts or deposited by ovoviviparous reproduction are fed to said larvae comprising the production of Artemia cysts or Artemia nauplii according to the method of  claim 9 . 
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 17  wherein said Artemia cysts are fed to said larvae in an admixture of other feedstock. 
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 17  wherein said Artemia cysts are fed to clams, oysters, mullet, milk fish and mollusks. 
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said microorganisms are selected from the group consisting of algae and blue green algae. 
   
   
       21 . The method according to  claim 1  further comprising the step of providing light exposure to said tank. 
   
   
       22 . The method according to  claim 21  wherein said light is selected from the group consisting of natural sunlight and artificial light. 
   
   
       23 . The method according to  claim 1  further comprising controlling temperature of said seawater.