Growth and survival of juvenile pearl mother
Pinctada imbricata
was evaluated through six months of culture
in suspended hanging ropes and pearl nets using a
longline in Turpialito Bay, Cariaco Gulf, Venezuela. Pearl
oyster seeds 15 mm long were cultured, evaluating survival, shell length, muscle, rest of the body and byssus
mass monthly. Variations of salinity, temperature, chlorophyll
a, seston, solved oxygen and shell fouling, were
determined every two weeks. After six months, the oyster reached dorso-ventral length close to 50 mm. Shell
growth pattern was similar for both types of culture, although byssus mass was higher in hanging ropes, while
shell length was greater in pearl nets. No significant differences were found in body mass. Survival showed
similar patterns in both culture systems, although a decrease in numbers occurred in January for the oysters in
pearl nets, associated to the presence of the gastropod
Cymatium
sp. The phytoplanktonic biomass was positively correlated to growth in
P. imbricata, showing to be an important factor in growth modulation. The results suggest
the use of the rope system for the culture of
P. imbricada.