Natural propagation of freshwater mussels (Lamellidens marginalis) using vegetation in captive environment

Abstract

Natural breeding of freshwater mussel, Lamellidens marginalis in captive environment had been studied to ensure the availability of juvenile mussel. A method of reproductive influence of farm animal to suit management called controlled breeding. It is aimed at enhances the production number, survival rate as well as optimization of reproductive performance in intensive system. Brood Mussels was stocked at the rate of 80/decimal in three different captive conditions viz Treatment 1; High aquatic vegetation without any disturbance, Treatment-2; Light aquatic vegetation with disturbance and Treatment-3; No aquatic vegetation with disturbance for breeding. As the freshwater mussel needs host fish to fulfill its life cycle, different fish species were stocked at the rate of 150/decimal. Microscopic observation indicated the occurrence of higher glochidia in the gills and fin of Oreochromis niloticus, Puntius sarana and Heteropneustes fossilis during breeding season. After nine month of brood mussel culture juvenile mussels were harvested from the ponds. A total of 2425±122.01 juvenile mussels per decimal were collected from the treatment 1 followed by 750±55.97 and 370±46.70 juvenile mussels from treatment 2 and treatment 3 respectively. During the research period, all activities' water quality parameters were favorable. The study revealed that ponds with high aquatic vegetation provides suitable environment during the breeding season for the breeding of freshwater mussels and high number of juveniles was produced in captive area.