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Optimization of conditions for an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system consisting of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus and ascidian Styela clava

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Abstract

An integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system consisting of the ascidian Styela clava and the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus with microalgae was optimized to increase the commercial cultivation of A. japonicus. The specific growth rate, biochemical composition, and coefficient of variation of A. japonicus were determined as indicators of optimal conditions. The result showed that higher levels of ascidian biomass (800 and 1200 g wet weight m−3) increased the growth rate of A. japonicus while reducing the variation in the weights of the large animals and increasing that of the smaller ones. There was no significant difference in the biochemical composition of same-sized A. japonicus across the ascidian biomass levels examined. Additionally, no significant difference was detected in the A. japonicus cultured with microalgae at a density of 5 × 102 cells ml−1 versus that of 5 × 103 cells ml−1. Thus, the optimal condition for the cultivation of A. japonicus using an IMTA system with S. clava was determined as an ascidian biomass of 800 g wet weight m−3, and the proportion of large to small A. japonicus at 12–28, with 5–6 large and 12–15 small individuals per square meter. Microalga should be cultivated several days before culture and maintained at the density of approximately 500 cells ml−1. This IMTA system can be implemented in A. japonicus cultured in a pond or a seawater mesocosm.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 31070368, 31572622), the National Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (ZR2014CM031, ZR2014DL011), and Open-end Funds of Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Huaihai Institute of Technology (2015HS005).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Bioengineering, Yantai University, No. 32, Qingquan Road, Laishan District, Yantai, Shandong, China

    Bao Ju, Ai-li Jiang, Rong-lian Xing, Li-hong Chen & Li Teng

  2. Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Huaihai Institute of Technology, No. 59, Cangwu Road, Xinpu District, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China

    Rong-lian Xing

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  1. Bao Ju
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  2. Ai-li Jiang
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  4. Li-hong Chen
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  5. Li Teng
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Correspondence to Ai-li Jiang.

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Ju, B., Jiang, Al., Xing, Rl. et al. Optimization of conditions for an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system consisting of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus and ascidian Styela clava . Aquacult Int 25, 265–286 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-016-0027-8

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