RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Diffusion tubes: a method for the mass culture of ctenophores and other pelagic marine invertebrates
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 751099
DO 10.1101/751099
A1 Wyatt L. Patry
A1 Mac Kenzie Bubel
A1 Cypress Hansen
A1 Thomas Knowles
YR 2019
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2019/10/05/751099.abstract
AB The culture of pelagic marine invertebrates, especially the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi, has been demonstrated in past studies dating back to the 1960’s, however the mass culture of delicate pelagic invertebrates has remained elusive. By using a pair of acrylic tubes and enabling water diffusion between them, we have been able to reliably and cost effectively mass culture several genera of ctenophores (Pleurobrachia, Hormiphora, Bolinopsis, Mnemiopsis, and Leucothea), one species of siphonophore (Nanomia) and one species of larvacean (Oikopleura). The simple, compact method is effective enough to support two permanent exhibits of ctenophores at the Monterey Bay Aquarium while minimizing live food culture requirements with the potential to support further investigation of pelagic marine invertebrate ontogeny, ecology and genomics.