Regresar

Bottom culture of the tropical scallop Lyropecten (Nodipecten) nodosus (L.) in the Golfo de Cariaco, Venezuela

Abstract:

Growth and survival of scallop Lyropecten nodosus were studied from July to November 1997 using three bottom culture methods, (1) in corrals, (2) in pockets, and (3) in anchored sleeves. All size parameters studied (dry weight of the muscle, gonad, remaining tissues and shell, and shell length) showed significant differences due to culture method. The body components were larger for scallops in corrals than for those in pockets and greater for those in pockets than in sleeves. In contrast, survival did not vary with culture method. Tissue components increased rapidly during the first 2 months, when temperatures were lower and phytoplankton abundant (upwelling and transition periods). Subsequently values leveled off, or in some cases (muscle) decreased, and this coincided with stratification of the water column and associated high temperatures and scarce food resources (and possible energetic demands for gonadal development). In contrast, shell weight and length showed no apparent affect of the environmental changes. The increased growth in the corrals was possibly because the corral walls permitted the scallops to raise themselves off the bottom which could have provided greater access to food resources (suspended particles), or to better quality food.