Growth Performance, Survival, and Filtration Efficiency of Green Mussel (Perna viridis) Spats Fed with Different Algae

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the potential of four species of marine microalgae as diets for green mussel Perna viridis spats. Species of algae tested were: Isochrysis galbana, Tetraselmis tetrahele, Chaetoceros calcitrans, and Skeletonema tropicum. Growth, survival and filtration rates were assessed. Highest growth rate was observed in spats fed with C. calcitrans followed by I. galbana and T. tetrahele, and S. tropicum, respectively. No significant differences in the survival of spats was observed in all feeding treatments. Further, filtration rate as factor affecting bivalve filter-feeding behavior was also measured. Highest filtration rate was observed in groups fed with C. calcitrans and I. galbana. The present study provides valuable information on the suitable diets for the nursery culture of green mussel spats. Furthermore, our results provide a basis for developing a better feeding strategy for the production of mussel spats in captivity.