Brine Shrimp in Kuyalnik Estuary: A Unique Species and Its Ecological Importance
In the Kuyalnik estuary, characterized by high salinity, there is a significant proliferation of brine shrimp – a remarkable freshwater crustacean adapted to harsh conditions. This species plays a crucial role in the estuarine ecosystem and is a valuable bioresource.
This was reported on the official Facebook page of the National Nature Park "Kuyalnik".
About Brine Shrimp
Brine shrimp (Artemia) is a unique crustacean from the family Artemiidae, which emerged approximately 100 million years ago. It can survive in extreme conditions of saline waters. High salinity requires the shrimp to expend energy to eliminate excess salt from its body, yet the absence of predators, particularly fish, gives it a significant advantage. With abundant food sources like bacteria and microalgae, brine shrimp can thrive in large numbers, forming substantial aggregations along the shores of the Kuyalnik estuary.
A specific species in the Kuyalnik estuary is Artemia parthenogenetica, or parthenogenetic brine shrimp. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to reproduce without males: females produce eggs or larvae (nauplii) without fertilization. This allows brine shrimp to rapidly multiply and exploit food resources. When environmental conditions deteriorate, female brine shrimp produce dormant, or "resting," eggs that can survive winter and endure freezing or drying. In spring, when conditions become favorable, these eggs hatch into new larvae, which become sexually mature in two to three weeks and continue the reproductive cycle.
Due to its unique properties, brine shrimp has become an indispensable live feed in aquaculture. Brine shrimp larvae are widely used to feed fish and shrimp fry. The National Nature Park "Kuyalnik" emphasizes that brine shrimp is a vital bioresource of the estuary that requires protection and sustainable use, as this species plays a key role in the ecosystem and serves as a foundation for aquaculture development.
