Application of unicellular algae Chlorella vulgaris for the mass-culture of marine rotifer Brachionus

Condensed suspension of Chlorella vulgaris was used for the food of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis and B. rotundiformis in place of Nannochloropsis oculata. This report describes the characteristics of C. vulgaris as a rotifer food in comparison with N. oculata and the present status of this field. The cell components of C. vulgaris such as protein content, amino acids, minerals and vitamins are generally similar to those of N. oculata. However, the taxonomic status of these algal species are different. Based on the similarity of cell components, the dietary value of C. vulgaris is equal in value to that of N. oculata for rotifer growth. Dietary value of C. vulgaris can be improved by addition of vitamin Bit. This improved C. vulgaris is currently widely used as an indispensable food organism for rotifer culture. Recent investigations have shown that the use of the condensed suspension of C. vulgaris makes it possible to significantly increase the rotifer density at harvest. Application of condensed C. vulgaris has made rotifer culture quite easy because the culture of N. oculata is no longer required, and intensive rotifer production in aquaculture can now be realized.