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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 59(7)

Invasive character of the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana Kellogg 1906 (Branchiopoda: Anostraca) and its potential impact on Australian inland hypersaline waters

David R. Ruebhart A B C G , Ian E. Cock D E and Glen R. Shaw B C F
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A HydroTox Services Australia Pty Ltd, PO Box 248, Corinda, Queensland 4075, Australia.

B School of Public Health, Logan Campus, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Queensland 4131, Australia.

C Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment, PMB 3 Salisbury, South Australia 5108, Australia.

D Biomolecular and Physical Sciences, Logan Campus, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Queensland 4131, Australia.

E Genomics Research Centre, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland 4215, Australia.

F Australian Rivers Institute, Logan Campus, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Queensland 4131, Australia.

G Corresponding author. Email: david_ruebhart@hydrotox.com.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 59(7) 587-595 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF07221
Submitted: 23 November 2007  Accepted: 11 May 2008   Published: 24 July 2008

Abstract

Brine shrimp (Artemia species) are a major faunal element in many hypersaline biotopes throughout the world and are used extensively in aquaculture, the aquarium trade, solar salt fields and in toxicity bioassays. Commercially available brine shrimp are generally Artemia franciscana cysts, primarily harvested from Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA. The invasive potential of this species raises concerns about its presence in Australia. We reviewed recent overseas reports of the occurrence of A. franciscana populations and confirm that the use of this species has extended its natural geographic range through both deliberate and inadvertent releases. In Australia, Artemia species have been previously identified as being a threat to ecosystem health and biodiversity; however, the specific recognition of A. franciscana was not made. In reviewing the biogeography of Artemia species in Australia, we provide a collation of the reported populations of A. franciscana. The biological attributes of this species contributing to its invasive success are also compiled. The implications of further releases and increases in the range of this species to Australian inland waters are discussed. We appeal for increased vigilance regarding the importation and use of this potentially highly invasive species and monitoring for its presence.

Additional keywords: biogeography, conservation, invasive species, Parartemia.


Acknowledgements

Funding for this work was provided by the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment and Griffith University. Dr Marc Seifert (Department of Natural Resources and Water, Queensland) is thanked for his critical review of the draft manuscript. Professor Brian Timms (University of Newcastle, New South Wales) and an anonymous reviewer are also thanked for suggesting further improvements in the manuscript.


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