Determination of the optimum commercial size for the mangrove oyster ( Crassostrea rhizophorae) in Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil

Abstract

Pilot studies were conducted in 1977–1978 on the cultivation of mangrove oysters in the Jacuruna River estuary at Todos os Santos Bay, Salvador, Brazil. Growth characteristics were studied by comparing the relationships between total live weight, volume of the shell cavity fluid and yield of meat, and dry body weight to size (height). The most economically feasible proposition was production of approximately 7 cm high oysters for the shucked oyster market rather than for the fresh oyster market. The harvesting of oysters less than 4 cm high was not considered desirable because it might reduce reproductive capacity. In oysters higher than 7 cm, growth rate and meat production decreased and did not warrant further cultivation.