Feeding of a Scleractinian Coral, Goniopora columna, on Microalgae, Yeast, and Artificial Feed in Captivity

Abstract

Nutritional requirements are critical in the process of coral aquaculture. In addition to energy from symbiotic algae, corals obtain sufficient nutrition through heterotrophic feeding. Microalgae and yeast are commonly used as nutritional supplements for many aquaculture organisms. In addition, if artificial feed can match or improve upon the nutritional supplementation provided by microalgae and yeast in the case of G. columna, then feeding this coral would be markedly easier. Hence, this article preliminarily discusses feeds suitable for G. columna. In this study, artificial PUFA rich in animal protein (R), Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Isochrysis galbana tml, and Nannochloropsis oculate were fed to G. columna at quantities of 5% and 10% of body weight. Growth, survival, body composition, and digestive enzymes were assessed. Regarding body composition, the coral’s protein content is higher than that of carbohydrate or fat; thus, evaluating the heterotrophic nutrition of G. columna by using protein absorption is appropriate. The protease content is also high in digestive enzymes. Protein content, protease activity, and specific growth rate were significantly higher in the R group than in other groups. The number of polyps in the groups fed R at 5% and 10% of body weight increased by 40.00 ± 2.43 and 47.33 ± 0.89 number, respectively, significantly greater increases than those achieved in the other groups (p < 0.05). Changes in body composition and digestive enzymes over a 24-h period were compared to determine the optimal feeding time. Protein content and protease activity increased markedly between 6:00 and 12:00. The experimental results suggest that R can improve the activity of G. columna digestive enzymes and their protein and lipid content in body tissue, shorten the cultivation time, and enhance the profitability of coral aquaculture.

Nutrient enrichment and probiotics for sea urchin Anthocidaris crassipina larvae in captivity to promote large‐scale aquaculture

“…The cultivation method of microalgae was performed referring to Ding et al, 2021). Two microalgae, Chaetoceros muelleri (C) and Isochrysis galbana tml (I), were cultured in 2000 mL glass Erlenmeyer flasks containing Walne medium.…”

“…Then, the culture was cooled to 26°C and irradiated with a fluorescent lamp with a 12 L/12 D photoperiod. After 1 week of cultivation, the number of algae could be calculated using a hemocytometer according to Ding et al (2021).…”

Evaluation of Clove Extract for Drug Therapy of Ciliate Infection in Coral (Goniopora columna)

“…G. columna was taken from Taiwan Coral King Coral Farm of Taiwan (CITES legal coral farm, CITES number FTS507W0153796). The coral culture method refers to [ 33 ], and a total of hundred colonies of the corals were kept in a tank (60 × 35 × 30 cm 3 ) with a recirculating filtered seawater system. After two months of self-repair and acclimation, healthy G. columna were cut into 5 polyps per colony, and then stuck on the rough cornerstone with coral glue; each group contained ten colonies.…”

“…In this experiment, we refer to Ding et al [ 33 ] for G. columna aquaculture methods. The specimens were maintained and fed in a recirculating filtered tank (60 × 35 × 30 cm 3 ) with a saltwater system, using a beaker (500 mL) filled with sterile saltwater for the experimental grouping.…”

Effects of Ciliate Infection on the Activities of Two Antioxidant Enzymes (SOD and CAT) in Captive Coral (Goniopora columna) and Evaluation of Drug Therapy

“…A hundred colonies of G. columna were obtained from Coral King Coral Farm (Pingtung, Taiwan), a CITES legal coral farm (CITES number No.FTS507W0153796). The specimens were maintained and fed in an aquarium (60 × 35 × 30 cm 3 ) with a recirculating filtered seawater system; refer to Ding et al, 2021 [ 21 ] for the coral breeding method. After two months of acclimation and self-repair, the healthy corals were segmented into a colony containing five polyps, and then fixed on porous foundation stones with coral glue, each group containing 10 colonies.…”