Life history of Chirocephalus algeriensis Boumendjel, Amarouayache, Bonillo, Sorba, Bagni & Rabet 2024 (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Anostraca) under experimental conditions

Abstract

The somatic growth, longevity, survival, and reproduction of Chirocephalus algeriensis Boumendjel, Amarouayache, Bonillo, Sorba, Bagni & Rabet, 2024 were studied under standardised laboratory conditions at three temperature regimes: 10, 20, and 25°C. The influence of temperature on survival, growth, and egg production was examined. The optimal temperature for survival was 20°C. At 10°C and 25°C, more than 50% of the cohort died before reaching reproductive age, whereas at 20°C, 50% survival was maintained until day 82. Longevity increased with decreasing temperature, with the longest lifespan recorded at 10°C (160 days), compared with 103 and 62 days at 20°C and 25°C, respectively. The greatest body size was reached by individuals reared at 10°C (25.93 mm); however, the highest growth rate occurred at 25°C and declined progressively with decreasing temperature. Resting egg production started on day 13 at 25°C, and on days 22 and 33 at 20°C and 10°C, respectively. No significant differences in survival or growth were observed between males and females across the three temperature treatments. Females cultured at 10°C nevertheless exhibited a higher mortality rate than males. At this temperature, the energetic cost of reproduction appears to exert a greater negative effect on female survival than on male.