Effects of Salinity on Demographic Traits of the Rotifer (Brachionus rotundiformis)

Six demographic parameters including life span (LS), maturation time (MT), net reproduction rate (Ro), mean generation length (G), innate capacity for increase $(r_m)$ and finite rate of increase $(\gamma)$ were estimated in the rotifer (Brachionus rotundiformis) cultured at three salinities of 5, 20 and 34 PSU and under a constant temperature of $28^{\circ}C$. The maximum life spans at salinities of 5, 20 and 34 PSU were 17, 12 and 13 days, respectively. The shortest maturation time (24 hr) was recorded at 5 PSU, and the rotifer at 20 PSU showed a most delayed maturation (192 hr). The maximum reproduction rate was 42 offspring per female in rotifer cultured at 5 PSU, while the longest generation length (8 days) was observed at 20 PSU. Maximum and minimum values of $r_m$ (1.56 and 0.46 individual per day) and $(\gamma)$ (6.67 and 1.70 individuals per day) were calculated at 5 and 34 PSU, respectively. Salinity also showed strong effect on correlation of the demographic traits examined. ANOVA revealed significant differences (P<0.05) between demographic parameters of the rotifer at the three salinity condition. Considering the higher values of life span, innate capacity and finite rate of increase, and shortest maturation time at 5 PSU, the rotifer we examined had a higher reproductive potential and longer life span at 5 PSU rather than at 20 or 34 PSU.