Effect of ocean acidification and temperature on growth, survival, and shell performance of fluted giant clams (Tridacna squamosa)

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of ocean acidification and temperature on growth, survival, and shell performance of fluted giant clam (Tridacna squamosa). Juvenile fluted giant clam put into an aquarium which is given a combination of CO2 pressure treatment (415, 1000 and 1800 ppm) and temperature (30, 32, and 34°C). Measuring the length, width and height of the shell perform in every two weeks for five times. CaCO3 content and shell strength was test at the end of the study. The best growth of shell length, shell width, and shell height in the treatment of CO2 concentrations of 415 ppm and temperatures of 30°C were 23.28 mm, 11.51 mm and 0.69 mm respectively. Survival live also obtained in the treatment of CO2 concentrations of 415 ppm and temperatures of 30°C and CO2 concentrations of 415 ppm and temperatures of 32°C each of 100%. The strength of the shell and CaCO3 content decreased in the treatment of CO2 concentration and high temperatures. Higher concentration of CO2 and increased temperature negatively affected the growth of length, width, survival of scales, reduced strength and the CaCO3 content of shell.