A simple airlift-operated tank for closed-system culture of decapod crustacean larvae and other small aquatic animals

Abstract

1. A rectangular tank for culture of decapod crustacean larvae with continuous water recirculation is described. The tank has a sloped bottom and an attached gravel filter unit. Water circulation through the filter serves at the same time for maintaining food particles in suspension and for dispersing the larvae; it is accomplished by airlift pumps. 2. Tanks of this design have been used successfully for closed system culture of larvae of the prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii and are expected to be satisfactory for other small aquatic animals. © 1974 Biologischen Anstalt Helgoland.