In order to prevent any further confusion in the scientific literature, we would like to urge contributors to ensure that the citation of Artemia in scientific articles in Aquaculture Research is taxonomically correct. Too frequently, reference is made to Artemia salina. This binomial refers to a European species which may be extinct. Most scientific studies are, however, based on the New World species Artemia franciscana. We estimate that over 90% of the studies in which Artemia is used as experimental test organism or as food source deal with this particular species, very often using material from the Great Salt Lake in Utah, USA. Today at least six bisexual species and numerous parthenogenetic strains of brine shrimp Artemia are used in experimental studies. As it is well documented that much variation exists in genetic, morphological, biometrical, physiological, biochemical and nutritional characteristics within and between the various Artemia species, it is very important that all possible efforts be made to cite the correct taxonomic identity of the species used, or to provide as much detail as possible about the geographical and/or commercial origin of the cysts used. This will provide better opportunities for future verification of experimental results.
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