Live feed is a basic requirement for commercial aquaculture activities. The ciliates are a promising alternative food source in aquaculture. The survival and growth rate of ciliate, Fabrea salina was studied under different salinities and temperature. Maximum growth of 77 cell/ml was achieved at a temperature of 35°C on 5th day of the experiment. On subsequent days, there was significant reduction in the cell counts. The effect of salinity on the population growth showed linear increase in cell count with increasing salinity. The maximum growth was obtained at a salinity of 70 psu. Several lines of reasoning suggest that ciliates can be used as alternative live feed in aquaculture.
Fabrea salina, Culture experiments, Fermented rice bran
