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Identification of the American oyster Crassostrea virginica (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Ostreidae) as a natural resource in the Greater Antilles: Cuba

Abstract:

The mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae (Guilding, 1828) is the only native species of oyster marketed in Cuba. However, oyster beds (known locally as “bottom oyster”) were found in the mouth of the Cuyaguateje and Cauto Rivers, with a different morphology and occupying a different habitat with respect to C. rhizophorae. These also contribute to oyster production in Cuba. We addressed studies for phenotypic characterization of both oysters found in 3 areas surrounding these 2 rivers, finding evidence of phenotypic and habitat dichotomies of the bottom oyster from the mangrove oyster. We conclude that Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin, 1791) is the species called “bottom-oyster”. Its average size is 61.1 ± 23.46 mm and reaches a maximum length of 145 mm), which is 65% larger than the mangrove oyster C. rhizophorae (average 37.2 ± 11.95 mm, maximum 87 mm) and has higher meat yield (4.5-10.2% meat of total weight) than populations of the mangrove oyster (3.9 to 7.1%). This study is the first report of C. virginica available as a natural resource for commercial exploitation in Cuba. Its excellent performance recommends it for cultivation in the Greater Antilles.