Growth and Survival of Juvenile Feather Duster Worms,Sabellastarte spectabilis,Fed Live and Preserved Algae |
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| Authors: | Clyde S Tamaru Harry Ako Adam Baker David R Bybee Karen Brittain Michelle Nguyen |
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| Abstract: | The use of live algae and preserved algal products was examined as to their utility in supporting growth and survival of the feather duster worm, Sabellastarte spectabilis. Hatchery‐reared 4‐mo‐old worms were provided the same cell densities of live T‐Iso, preserved T‐Iso, live Nannochlropsis sp., and preserved Nannochloropsis sp. over the course of 132 d. A group of worms placed in a water table that received a continuous flow of raw seawater served as controls. Live and preserved T‐Iso resulted in the highest survival (86.7 ± 6.2% and 78.3 ± 16.5%, respectively) compared to all the other treatments. Live T‐Iso fed worms resulted in significantly larger worms than all other treatments with the preserved T‐Iso treatment supporting similar growth to those being fed live Nannochloropsis sp. and exposed to raw seawater. The preserved Nannochloropsis sp. resulted in significantly lower survival and growth when compared to all the other treatments. Fatty acid profiles of the algal diets and worm carcasses obtained during the current investigation suggest that T‐Iso outperformed Nannochloropsis because of its higher energy or fatty acid content. |
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