Effects of Water Quality, Stocking Density, Water Exchange Frequency, and Food, on Growth and Survival of the Green Mussel, Perna viridis Larvae

Experiments were conducted to determine the optimum conditions for growth and survival of the green mussel, Perna viridis larvae. Effects of various temperatures and salinities, stocking densities, water exchange frequency, and natural food preference of the larvae from D-hinged to pediveliger stage were investigated. The green mussel broodstocks were collected from the natural source, and spawning occurred in captivity. All experiments were conducted in triplicate. The results demonstrated that larvae from D-hinged to pediveliger stage had better growth and survival when the temperature was between 29 degrees C and 30 degrees C, and salinity ranging from 30-33ppt. Stocking density from 10-20 larvae/ml did not affect growth and survival of the larvae. Likewise, frequency of water replacement from daily to every 5 day interval did not influence the growth and survival until the pediveliger stage. During this stage, the larvae preferred a combination of Isochrysis galbana and Chaetoceros calcitrans as food in terms of better growth, and either Isochrysis galbana, Chaetoceros calcitrans, or their combination in terms of higher survival rate.