Experimental larval culture of the Caribbean scallops Argopecten nucleus and Nodipecten nodosus

Several experiments were performed examining the effect of different culture variables on the growth and survival of Argopecten nucleus and Nodipecten nodosus larvae. Higher growth and survival values were obtained at a low density (1 larvae mL(-1)) than at a high density (5 larvae mL(-1)), except for N. nodosus's survival, which was not affected by density. Higher growth was obtained when feeding the larvae a diet of Isochrysis galbana, similar results occurred with the diet of Isochrysis galbana + Chaetoceros calcitrans in A. nucleus and with I. galbana combined with the lipid emulsion EmDHA in N. nodosus. Higher survival was obtained when the diet included a mixture of microalgae than when EmDHA was supplemented. Growth and survival of the larvae of A. nucleus were greater when fed continuously, while N. nodosus grew and survived better when food was given discontinuously. Higher growth and survival values were recorded at lower food concentrations ranging from 20 to 40 cells mu L-1 of I. galbana. Higher growth was observed with increasing temperature between 22 and 28 degrees C, although there was a simultaneous decrease in survival. No significant effects on larval production parameters were found when the culture water was changed totally or partially, but higher larval growth of N. nodosus was verified when a partial renewal of water was performed.