Effect of temperature on the development, growth, survival and settlement of green mussel<i>Perna viridis</i>(Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

The effect of temperature on the development, growth, survival and settlement of Perna viridis was studied under controlled conditions to provide information needed for the development of commercial hatchery technology for green mussel P. viridis. Total mortality of the larvae occurred after 24 h at temperatures of 33°C and 35°C. At 24°C, larvae took longer to settle than at temperatures of 27°C, 29°C and 31°C. For optimum larval development (8–13 h), growth (17.2±0.84 μm day–1) and survival (55.2±0.84%), a hatchery rearing temperature of 31°C is required. For settlement no significant difference was seen between the percentage settlement at 29°C (49.3±3.34%) and 31°C (45.8±1.76%). However, the process of settlement began and ended earlier at 29°C (from 15 to 18 days) than at 31°C (from 18 to 20 days). Thus for larval settlement a temperature of 29°C is recommended.