Culture potential of the pearl oyster ( Pinctada imbricata) from the Caribbean. : I. Gametogenic activity, growth, mortality and production of a natural population

Abstract

Gametogenic activity, growth, mortality and somatic production of an unexploited population of Pinctada imbricata from the Cabo de la Vela (Guajira, Colombian Caribbean, 12°10′N, 72°20′W) was studied. P. imbricata exhibits a continuous gametogenic cycle with a 5-month period (January to June) of high gametogenic activity. Gametogenesis is inversely correlated to temperature, suggesting a relation between spawning and upwelling-induced food availability. Final growth parameters according to the von Bertalanffy-growth equation, estimated from tagging-recapture data, were L ∝=84.0 mm and K=0.939 year −1; total mortality, corresponding to natural mortality M, was calculated as Z=2.687 year −1. The P/ B̄-ratio for this population estimated with the weight specific growth rate method was 1.515. From the results, it was generally concluded that P. imbricata has a large aquaculture potential in this region owing to its continuous gametogenic cycle, and a high growth and production rate.