Studying of Artemia sp. production in Gonabad salt-waters, Kavir-e-Namak Basin, eastern Iran

Abstract

A preliminary stock assessment of Artemia sp. has been carried out in Gonabad salt- waters, situated in the Kavir-e-Namak Basin of eastern Iran for the first time. We conducted seasonal analysis of physico-chemical and biological properties of salt-waters for two stations in the study area over the year 2002. Hand-held plankton net used with a mesh size or 20mm to collect phytoplankton samples. We identified five families of phytoplankton in the salt-waters of the area. These were Nitzschiaceae, Naviculaceae, Cymbellaceae, Oscillatoriaceae and Nostocaceae. Phytoplankton species from family Nitzschiaceae were the most abundant, present in the waters year-round and comprised the main food item for Artemia sp. in the region. Phytoplankton abundance was highest during spring and earlier autumn and Artemia sp. showed a fluctuation in their density over the year, increasing gradually from spring to in one station and from spring to autumn in another. Considering the optimal physico-chemical and biological properties for Artemia sp. production and development, we concluded that best time period for Artemia sp. production is May to November in Kaleshor area.