Potential for the hatchery production of spat of the green mussel Perna viridis Linnaeus (1758)

Abstract

The Asian green mussel Perna viridis Linnaeus (1758) was spawned in hatchery and the larvae were successfully reared to setting. The larvae grew through the straight hinge, umbo, eyespot and pediveliger stages in the pelagic phase before metamorphosing into the plantigrade stage and setting as spat on a suitable substratum. Isochrysis galbana was used as a standard algal food until settlement of spat after which a mixed algal diet of I. galbana and Chaetoceros calcitrans was provided. Spat fall began on 21st day and continued up to the 35th day on a variety of substrates. The shell length–height relationship in the larvae is given by Y=−0.397+1.149 X, r=0.987. Growth of the larvae is linear. Prospects for large scale hatchery production of green mussel spat are discussed.