Abstract
The growth and survival of individuals of the pearl oyster Pinctada imbricata (spats of 16-24mm antero-posterior shell length ) belonging to three different cohorts ( CI, CII and CIII ) were evaluated during three contrasting environmental periods . The cultures were made in Japanese baskets suspended from a long line , in Turpialito site , Gulf of Cariaco , Venezuela. Cohort CI was cultured from October 2007 to April 2008 (covering the period of stratification and upwelling waters of the area) , the CII from June 2008 to February 2009 (dominated by the stratification period and the start of the coastal upwelling ) and the CIII from February 2009 to July 2009 (coastal upwelling period ). Monthly determinations included survival , the length and mass of the shell , the mass of muscle and other tissues , as well as the fouling mass on the shells and the number of gastropods of the genus Cymatium spp. recruited in the culture baskets . The variation of water salinity , temperature, chlorophyll a , seston and dissolved oxygen were determined biweekly. Survival was inversely associated with the incidence of Cymatium spp . The temperature and food availability were associated to growth. The highest rates of growth and survival were observed in individuals of CIII , thus it is suggested that the upwelling period is the most suitable for the cultivation of the species .
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