Use of GABA to enhance rotifer reproduction in enrichment culture

Abstract

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been shown to enhance the reproduction of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis Muller in stressful culture conditions. During the enrichment of rotifers for feeding to marine fish larvae, they are usually stressed as a result of exposure to different marine oils and high population densities. This typically results in decreased rotifer survival, reproduction and swimming activity. In the present study, we used GABA to increase rotifer reproduction and the swimming activity of rotifers in enrichment cultures. GABA treatment 24 h before high density enrichment enhanced reproduction during enrichment culture, but not when carried out simultaneously with enrichment. Swimming activity was not significantly affected by GABA treatment 24 h before or simultaneously with nutrient enrichment.