Growth Comparison of Pearl Oyster, Pinctada fucata between the Two Culturing Areas

Abstract

The growth of the pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata was compared between two areas, Hansan Bay and Ilkwang located in southern part and in southeast part of Korean waters respectively, from November 1984 to June 1986. The pearl oysters in Hansan Bay grew from 2.53cm to 6.07 cm in shell length in 17 months, while those in Ilkwang grew from 2.53 cm to 4.07 cm in 19 momths. Shell height, shell breadth and total weight of the pearl oysters in Hansan Bay also showed more rapid growth than those in Ilkwang. The relative growth of shell breadth to shell length in specimens between Hansan Bay and Ilkwang showed a significant difference indicating that the value in Ilkwang is bigger than that in Hansan Bay, It is also suggested that Hansan Bay is a good area for the growth and Ilkwang, an area worth wintering of the pearl oyster.