Abstract

This study evaluates the use of a microalgal biofilm composed by a mixture of benthic diatoms such as Amphora cf. capitellata (NV), Nitzschia ovalis arnott (NC), Cylindrotheca closterium (CC) and Navicula cryptocephala (NAV) to improve larval settlement and growth of H. rufescens postlarvae in commercial hatcheries in the north of Chile. Preliminarily the optimal growth dynamic conditions of selected diatoms were evaluated in relation light intensity by the use of polycarbonate carboys containing PVC filaments for supporting the growth of diatoms. The results showed that the different diatom strains reached the highest cell densities in terms of cell coverage, at 50 mmol