Salinity effect on the
embryonic development, larval growth and survival at metamorphosis of Placuna
placenta Linnaeus (1758)
J.A. Madrones-Ladja-2002
Aquaculture,
214(1-4) : 411-418
Abstract:
The effects of salinity on the embryonic development,
growth, and survival of D-larvae to plantigrade as well as settling in Placuna
placenta were studied. Embryos were developed to D-larvae of shell
length (SL) 86±12 µm (SL±S.D.) after 20 h at salinities of 22–34 ppt,
but not at lower salinity levels. Percentage production of straight-hinged
larvae from fertilized eggs at these salinities ranged from 51% to 63% (P>/=0.05).
P. placenta larvae survived and settled in salinities of 16–34 ppt.
Settlement occurred first (14 days) in salinities of 22–34 ppt and later
(19 days) in 16 ppt when SL>/=200 µm. Larval size at metamorphosis was
not significantly different among these salinities (P>/=0.05).
Percentage survival of plantigrades at 34 ppt (13%) was significantly higher
(P</=0.05) than at 16 ppt (4.5±3%), but not greater than at 22
(6.3±3%) or 28 ppt (7±4%) salinity. The best salinity levels for embryonic
development and larval survival at metamorphosis ranged from 22 to 34 ppt
and larval growth from 16 to 34 ppt. The tolerance of P. placenta to
lower and higher salinities progressively increased as larvae develop from
embryo to the plantigrade stage.
(Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries
Development Center, 5021 Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines, e-mail: joladja@aqd.seafdec.org.ph)