Improvements in the decapsulation technique of <i>Artemia</i> cysts

Because bleaching powder is the cheapest source of hypochlorite in many countries of the world, a decapsulation procedure has been worked out in which technical calciumhypochlorite Ca(OCl)2 is utilized.A standard procedure has been developed for the deactivation of the chlorine residues adsorbed on the decapsulated cysts. Proper dehydration and storage of the decapsulated cysts assure maximum viability of the embryos in diapause. A prototype system for routine decapsulation and processing of large quantities of cysts is proposed.Beneficial effects of the decapsulation process on both the hatching percentage and the individual dry weight of the hatched nauplii are discussed in detail