The effect of seawater flow and temperature on metamorphosis and postlarval development in great scallop

Abstract

Variations in growth and survival of hatchery-reared post-metamorphicjuveniles of great scallop Pecten maximus prompted anexamination of settlement and postlarval development. The effects ofseawater flow and temperature on great scallop metamorphosis andpostlarvae were studied over a 4–5 week period. In allexperiments, and regardless of environmental conditions, great scallopmetamorphosed after a 2–3 week period with values of 35 to70%. Subsequently, spat numbers increased slightly. Spatmortality generally occurred from the third week onward and reachedlevels as high as 30% by the fifth week under standardconditions. At 20 °C, however, 60% mortality levels wererecorded. Differences in spat growth rate, ranging from 37 to 45 μmday−1, were noticed at different seawater flow ratesbut no clear tendency could be discerned. Temperature affected spatgrowth with an increase in size from 24 μm day−1 at15 °C to 35 μm day−1 at 18 °C. Conversely,growth was suppressed at 20 °C (14 μm day−1).For optimal metamorphosis and postlarval development in great scallop, aseawater flow of 4.3 L h−1 per sieve and a temperatureof 15 °C are recommended.