A comparative field study of
growth, survival and reproduction of Crassostrea gigas, C.
angulata and their hybrids
P.
Soletchnik, A. Huvet, O. Le Moine, D. Razet, P. Geairon, N. Faury, P.
Goulletquer, P. Boudry-2002
Aquatic Living Resources, 15(4) : 197-261
Abstract:
This paper reports a comparative study of two cupped
oysters, Crassostrea gigas and C. angulata, and their hybrids
reared in the Marennes-Oléron Sound (France) under usual farming
conditions. The relative proficiency of these species was characterized in
terms of growth, survival and reproduction, three major concerns for oyster
farming. Four populations of each taxon were sampled (C. gigas: Japan
and France; C. angulata: Taiwan and Spain) and used as progenitors to
produce six different progenies under common hatchery and nursery conditions
(transfer of 5 to 6 g of seed oysters at sea and rearing in bags for 2
years). Mortality profiles differed greatly among the progenies. The C.
angulata progeny of Taiwanese origin gave the poorest results, with 100%
mortality during the second year. For the entire rearing period, the highest
yield (+22%) was obtained with the C. gigas progeny of French origin.
The sexual maturation index, lipid cycles and dry weight loss after spawning
showed that spawning of C. angulata was delayed by about two weeks
compared to that of C. gigas. A clear maternal effect was observed
for the growth and reproductive characteristics of the hybrids. On the
whole, C. gigas of French origin gave the best aquacultural results.
However, severe episodes of C. gigas mortality have been observed in
France in recent years, indicating that this species might not be entirely
suitable for sustained oyster farming in this country.