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In a randomly and factorially designed experiment, the interaction effects of dietary zeolite (0 and 2%) and three salinity levels (80, 130 and 180 ppt) on growth, survival, reproductive performance and total longevity of A. franciscana were determined (6 treatments in total). The experiment was carried in two stages: nauplius to maturity and maturity to death of all females. The results indicated that the total body length of Artemia fed with zeolite were not significantly different among treatments in the third week of rearing (P>0.05), except for nauplii fed zeolite in salinity 180 ppt. However, Artemia fed with zeolite in 80 ppt had a higher body length and furcal length compared with other treatments. Nauplii in all treatments reached sexual maturity within 17-23 days (P>0.05). Survival rate was far higher in groups fed with zeolite compared to unfed groups; the highest values were recorded in group fed with zeolite at the salinity 130 ppt (P<0.05). The reproductive period and total longevity of females decreased with increasing salinity, but this trend was not affected by diet type. Average offspring production in the groups fed with zeolite was in the range of 861-1160 offspring compared to unfed groups (604-741 offspring) (P<0.05). The encysted embryos percentage was different in the range of 20-35%. According to the results, the inclusion of 2% zeolite in salinity within 80-130 ppt were better for growth of the Artemia to maturity. Also, it is recommended to add zeolite in the Artemia diet with the increasing trend in salinity from 80 to 180 ppt for improving broodstock reproductive performance.

Keywords: Artemia franciscana, Zeolite, Artemia franciscana, Salinity, Growth and survival, Reproductive performance

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