General Method for the Production of Developmentally-Arrested Bivalve Trochophore Larvae as a Potential Food for Marine Fish Larvae

Abstract

Bivalve trochophore larvae are of an appropriate size (40-60 μm) for first-feeding marine fish larvae. Unfortunately, the trochophore stage is of short duration and the next stage develops a shell, which may hinder consumption and digestion by larvae. A general method from reviewed literature and the author's experience for arresting development at, or prior to, the trochophore stage by genetic modification is presented. Briefly, bivalve sperm are exposed to ultraviolet radiation (254 nm) for a short duration before being used to inseminate the eggs. Ultraviolet radiation alters the sperm DNA structure and results in developmental arrest at, or prior to, the trochophore stage thereby extending the useful life of the trochophore as a live food. The general utility of the method is that it is easy, inexpensive, and can be used on any bivalve species in which sperm or eggs are retrievable and can be kept viable in vitro.