Studies on the salinity tolerance and growth of Caulerpa lentillifera at different salinities and substratum types. In：R. Hirano and I. Hanyu (eds.)

Abstract

This is the first attempt to evaluate the potential of Caulerpa lentillifera for cultivation in Taiwan. The goal of this study is to examine the effects of different salinities and substratum types on the growth of C. lentillifera. C. lentillifera had a salinity tolerance range of 15-50 ppt at 25°C and 12 h:12 h light:dark photoperiod in the growth chamber. It became soft and white and finally died when the salinity was below 15 ppt or above 50 ppt. The optimal salinity range for growth was 25-35 ppt. Three kinds of substrata were tested for planting C. lentillifera: (1) shell sand, (2) coral gravel, and (3) pebbles, and one group was hung in plastic baskets, without any substratum. The latter produced the best results. Prawn pond water was utilized for culturing C. lentillifera. Daily growth rates in the flowing water culture systems were recorded.