Biddulphia (Odontella) sp. Isolated from the Seawater of Kayalpattinam Coastal Area, Gulf of Mannar and Maintained in Tuticorin Research Centre of ICAR-CMFRI

Aim: Present study was aimed to isolate marine algae from the sea water samples of Kayalpattinam Coastal area, Gulf of Mannar.

Methodology: Seawater samples were collected for the isolation of phytoplankton from the Kayalpattinam Coastal area, Tuticorin on May 2016. The collected seawater was maintained in Walne medium with optimum conditions (light intensity of 1000 Lux, pH of 8.2-8.7, temperature of 18-25°C and salinity of 35 ppt) for obtaining maximum growth. After the visible change observed, microscopic observation was carried out.

Results: Microscopic observation revealed that the sample contained Biddulphia (Odontella) sp. which is also known as Chinese Diatom. There were significant numbers of the species. It is further confirmed by the morphological identification. It has been maintained in phytoplankton repository of Tuticorin Research Centre, ICAR-CMFRI for sale and research. Cells are observed either in isolated or in the colony which are organized in straight lines or in a zigzag pattern and they are yellow/brown in colour. The size is measured and varied from 25 to 40 µ.

Conclusion: Biddulphia (Odontella) sp. has been widely used as a feed for zooplanktons in aquaculture industry. This is the first report of method to isolate and cultivate this species. Further more research is needed in order to investigate the potential utilization of this species in medicinal, nutritional and other possible useful properties of Biddulphia (Odontella) sp.