Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
07:47
The Barnacle Balanus improvisus as a Marine Model - Culturing and Gene Expression
Published on: August 8, 2018
Application of Live Monocells from Macroalgae to Shellfish Seed Production.
1College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of Qingdao, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
Marine Biotechnology (New York, N.Y.)
|May 11, 2000
Summary
Macroalgae monocells from Porphyra, Undaria, and Laminaria support shellfish aquaculture. Feeding these monocells to bay scallops, blood cockles, and abalone improved reproduction and juvenile survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Aquaculture
- Phycology
Background:
- Macroalgae are a potential sustainable food source for marine invertebrates.
- Efficient methods for utilizing macroalgae in aquaculture feed are needed.
- Shellfish larvae and juveniles have specific nutritional requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate monocells from macroalgae for use as feed.
- To evaluate the efficacy of macroalgal monocells in bivalve and gastropod aquaculture.
- To assess the impact of monocell diets on reproduction and juvenile survival.
Main Methods:
- Monocells were isolated from Porphyra yezoensis, Undaria pinnatifida, and Laminaria japonica using alga-tool enzymes.
- Isolated monocells were used to feed parent broodstock and larvae of Argopecten irradians (bay scallop), Arca inflata (blood cockle), and Haliotis discus (abalone).
- Reproductive output (maturation, egg/sperm discharge) and larval metamorphosis were monitored.
- Juvenile survival rates were compared between monocell-fed and artificial-diet-fed groups.
Main Results:
- Porphyra monocells promoted maturation and reproduction in bay scallop and blood cockle broodstock.
- Larvae of bay scallop and blood cockle fed Porphyra monocells successfully metamorphosed.
- Abalone juveniles fed monocells from Laminaria and Undaria showed a 100% increase in survival compared to artificial feed.
- Macroalgal monocells demonstrate significant nutritional benefits for multiple shellfish species.
Conclusions:
- Macroalgal monocells are a viable and effective feed for enhancing reproduction and survival in commercially important shellfish.
- This study highlights the potential of Porphyra, Undaria, and Laminaria monocells to improve aquaculture efficiency.
- Further research into optimizing monocell-based diets could revolutionize shellfish feed formulations.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Green Algae
Green algae, also referred to as chlorophytes, are different from red algae in having the chloroplasts containing chlorophylls a and b, which give them their distinct green hue. However, they lack phycobiliproteins, preventing them from developing the red or blue-green pigmentation seen in red algae. In terms of photosynthetic pigment composition, green algae closely resemble plants and share a close evolutionary relationship with them. Taxonomically Green algae belong to Phylum Chlorophyta in...
01:25Biofuels
The microbial conversion of organic matter into biofuels holds potential as a renewable energy source. Among biofuel sources, microalgae are recognized as a highly efficient and adaptable feedstock for biodiesel production, owing to their rapid biomass accumulation, elevated lipid productivity, and capacity to proliferate in diverse aquatic systems, including freshwater, marine, and wastewater habitats. Unlike terrestrial crops, microalgae do not compete for land and can achieve significantly...