Abstract
A lack of understanding regarding the feeding biology of post-settlement mussels has considerably constrained the hatchery culture of many commercially important mussel species, including the Greenshell™ mussel, Perna canaliculus. Therefore, we evaluated how particles of different size (MySpat artificial diet full particle size range 2–60μm, sieved MySpat diet with a size range of 2–15μm; polystyrene beads, 3–15μm, and microalgae, 4–6.5μm) affected the retention and capture efficiency in post-settlement juveniles (PSJ). The response of PSJ of various sizes (PSJ-I: 0.3mm shell length, PSJ-II: 1.0mm, and PSJ-III: 7.0mm) was different. Overall, smaller mussels (PSJ-I and PSJ-II) were unable to selectively capture particles by their size on all diets, conversely larger juveniles actively captured smaller particles between 2 and 8μm. Independently of the PSJ size, the full particle size range MySpat artificial diet had a negative effect on the feeding activity of the mussels, with particles blocking the pallial organs in the non-selective PSJ-I and PSJ-II, and completely inhibiting the feeding activity in the more selective PSJ-III. These results provide useful information to understand the feeding biology and ecology of PSJ of this species that can be used for the improvement of hatchery feeding methods. Artificial and live food particle size can be chosen in order to avoid larger harmful particles (>15μm), and the exclusive use of smaller food particles should be considered for PSJ<1mm shell length to match their inability to select particles. Additionally there is good potential for replacement of costly natural diets by palatable artificial diets for PSJ of this species, provided feed particles of the appropriate sizes are used. Statement of relevanceThis article provides information to better understand particle capture process in post-settlement juvenile mussel in order to improve hatchery/nursery feeding practices. The results of this research will allow making informed decisions regarding selection of food particle size in relation to the size of the juvenile mussels and their ability to deal with particles of different sizes. Furthermore will also help to decide the adequate size of transfer for grow-out as well as being useful for the development of suitable artificial diets.
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