Larval growth and development of the smooth clam Callista chione (Mollusca: Bivalvia) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

This study describes the first data on larval development and growth of the smooth clam Callista chione under two different temperature regimes (19 and 23 ºC). The mean diameter of the oocytes was 89.5 ± 0.7 micrometers. After seven days, the mean length of D-shaped larvae was 132.9 ± 7.8 micrometers at 19 ºC and 148.38 ± 12.74 micrometers at 23 ºC. Metamorphosis took place between days 32 and 39. Differences in length associated with different culture temperatures were statistically significant on days 11, 13, and 20. At 23 ºC, larvae reached a length of 175.15 micrometers within 11 days, whilst during the same period they reached 137.88 micrometers at 19 ºC (a difference in growth of 39%); however, survival rate was higher at 19 ºC (8%) than at 23 ºC (2%).

Reproduction and size at first maturity in a Mediterranean exploited <em>Callista chione</em> bivalve bed

“…Our results agree with the studies done in the Mediterranean Sea, i.e. Metaxatos (2004) and Pérez-Larruscain et al (2011), finding bigger sizes which are in the size range of other venerid species (Mouëza et al 1999, Chung 2007, Popović et al 2013. The differences observed in the size of oocytes from Atlantic and Mediterranean smooth clam populations were related by Moura et al (2008) to the tissue sample state (preserved or fixed) and also to genetic differences.…”