The biology, ecology, and aquaculture potential of Artemia (Crustacea, Anostraca) in Algeria: a review

Abstract

The brine shrimp Artemia is a crucial component of hypersaline ecosystems and an indispensable live feed in aquaculture. Algeria hosts diverse Artemia populations across its coastal salterns, inland chotts, and sabkhas in the High Plateaus and Sahara. This review synthesises current knowledge of Algerian Artemia , covering taxonomy, genetic diversity, spatial distribution, reproductive biology, biochemical composition, exploitation, and aquaculture potential, based on an extensive analysis of available literature. Algerian Artemia biodiversity includes the native bisexual species Artemia salina and both diploid (2n) and tetraploid (4n) parthenogenetic strains (parthenogenetic Artemia ), often co-occurring with seasonal alternation influenced by temperature and salinity. Populations inhabit environments with wide physicochemical fluctuations, particularly in salinity (ranging from 40 g/L to over 300 g/L) and temperature, often exhibiting ephemeral characteristics that necessitate cyst production for survival. Main sites like Chott Marouane and Sabkha Ez-Zemoul support significant populations, but reproductive traits and biochemical profiles vary among strains. Notably, Algerian strains are generally deficient in the essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), requiring enrichment for optimal use in marine larviculture. While natural populations represent a potential resource for the national aquaculture sector, challenges include habitat degradation, climate change impacts, potential competition from invasive species, difficulties in sustainable harvesting, and the need for optimised culture and enrichment protocols. Further research, particularly using molecular tools and focusing on ecological dynamics and sustainable management, is crucial for the conservation and effective utilisation of Algeria’s valuable Artemia resources.