Larvae culture of the mangrove oyster, Crassostrea rhizophorae (Guilding, 1828), under different conditions of temperature, salinity and density

Abstract

The commercial larvae culture of the mangrove oyster, Crassostrea rhizophorae, has been the focus of studies in private and governmental institutions, once it can provide a trustful supply of seeds. The present study was developed in order to stablish the growth conditions for C. rhizophorae larvae. The main factors for larvae growth and survival were analyzed: temperature, salinity, larvae density, use of antibiotics and amount of food. Bacteria infections are probably the major problem to be considered in the larvae culture of the species. The absense of antibiotics caused total mortality in all cultures. High temperature values collaborates to bacteria development and low temperature reduces larvae growth rate. The best temperature tested was 25°C. C. rhizophorae larvae are better adapted to salinity between 25 and 30%_o. High larvae density proved to be harmful for the cultures. Densities between 5 and 15 larvae/ml are recommended for the beginning of the cultures. The larvae culture of C. rhizophorae is technically viable, but studies on the economic feasibility should be also considered.