Fouling and predation; how do they affect growth and survival of the blacklip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, during nursery culture?

This paper reports on 5 experiments conducted to assess the effect of cleaning regime and predation on growth and survival of blacklip pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) juveniles in north Queensland, Australia. P. margaritifera juveniles with a mean (±SE) dorso-ventral shell height (DVH) of 4.5 ± 0.1 mm were placed into plastic mesh trays and cleaned either every 4 or 8 weeks or left uncleaned for 16 weeks. Cleaning regime had a significant effect on growth and survival (P < 0.005). Lowest DVH (16.2 ± 1.0) was shown by oysters in uncleaned trays during 16 weeks compared to oysters in cleaned trays; however, there was no significant difference in DVH between oysters held in trays cleaned every 4 (19.4 ± 1.2) or 8 weeks (21.2 ± 0.8). In contrast lowest survival was shown by oysters held in trays that were cleaned every 4 weeks (30 ± 5%), but no differences were noted between oysters cleaned every 8 weeks (63 ± 4%) and oysters that were left uncleaned for 16 weeks (75 ± 8%). Predators of P. margaritifera in northern Australia included crabs, stomatopods, flatworms, gastropods and fish. The stomatopod, Gonodactylus falcatus, was the most destructive predator with individuals consuming in excess of 20 juvenile pearl oysters per week. The leather jacket, Paramonocanthus japonicus, did not kill pearl oysters, but trimmed the margin of oysters shells significantly reducing DVH when compared to control groups cultured without fish. Removing predators monthly had a significant effect on growth of pearl oysters compared to oysters in non-inspected trays; however monthly inspection of culture trays did not significantly improve oyster survival. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

3种螺对养殖鲍外壳附着牡蛎的防除作用

为研究养殖皱纹盘鲍(Haliotis discus hannai Ino)外壳附着牡蛎的防除方法,对比了疣荔枝螺(Thais clavigera Kuster)、润泽角口螺(Ceratostoma rorifluum)和甲虫螺(Cantharus cecillei)对鲍外壳表面牡蛎的防除效果。以桑沟湾筏式养殖鲍为研究对象,自7月中旬开始,每隔15 d左右分别投放3种螺到鲍养殖笼中,共投放6次,以始终未投放螺的养殖笼为对照组。结果显示,实验结束时甲虫螺组中鲍壳上平均存活牡蛎数目为(0.04±0.04)个/只,疣荔枝螺组和润泽角口螺组疣荔枝螺组分别为(2.49±0.91)个/只和(2.21±1.05)个/只,对照组为(3.33±0.46)个/只。投放3种螺组中鲍壳上存活牡蛎数均显著显著低于对照组(P<0.05),甲虫螺也显著低于其他2种螺(P<0.05)。投螺时间也会影响螺防除牡蛎污损的效果,投放时间过晚会导致螺捕食牡蛎后有明显的壳残留,牡蛎的壳高达到0.5 cm左右再投放螺即可保证防除效果。另外甲虫螺组鲍壳上死亡牡蛎残留壳长度为(0.73±0.27) cm,显著低于疣荔枝螺组...     

Growth and biometric relationships of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata (Gould) on transplanting from the Gulf of Mannar to the Arabian Sea

Comparative studies were made on the growth and biometric relationships of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata (Gould) Tuticorin stock at (Tuticorin (TST) – parent stock) transplanted from the Tuticorin Bay (8.7°N; 78.2°E) in the Gulf of Mannar along the Indian southeast coast to Kollam Bay (8.8°N; 76.5°E) in the Arabian Sea along the Indian southwest coast (Tuticorin stock at Kollam (TSK) – transplanted stock). At the time of transplantation, Kollam Bay did not have a native stock, however, within a year, the transplanted stock spawned and oyster spats were collected from within the farm (Kollam stock (KS) – progeny stock). The growth in dorso‐ventral measurement and total weight in Kollam Bay was 1.4–1.6 times and 3.1 to 6.8 times respectively greater than that observed at Tuticorin. Furthermore, at Kollam Bay, the thickness observed at the end of first year was similar to that obtained at the end of second year in Tuticorin. Both the TSK and KS had significantly higher instantaneous growth rates (IGR) than TST. All the stocks displayed significantly different biometric relationships. The increased growth in Kollam Bay is attributed to the almost double productivity in the Arabian Sea compared with the Bay of Bengal. It is concluded that in the case of P. fucata, the site and its interaction with environment are important determinants of growth and shell dimensions. The present study clearly indicates that the environmental conditions prevailing along the southeast Arabian Sea are congenial for the growth, gametogenesis, spawning and settlement of P. fucata larvae. In spite of strong monsoonal influences in the hydrology of Kollam Bay, the growth and reproduction of P. fucata stocks indicates its relative hardiness and ability to adapt to a changed environment.     

Hot water immersion lowers survival,shell growth rate and lysosomal membrane stability of oysters Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin)

This study compares the effect of two anti‐fouling treatments, hot water immersion (15 s at 60°C) and air drying (72 h) on the physiological status of the Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. The negative impact of hot water immersion was greater than that of air drying, but varied depending on the initial size of the oysters (40 vs. 60 mm shell height) and the time of the year (June vs. August). Groups treated with hot water exhibited a higher proportion of haemocytes with destabilized lysosomal membranes (HDLM; 47.5 ± 3.1%) than those exposed to air drying (37.5 ± 2.9%). This suggests that the oyster immunocompetency may be lowered by hot water immersion. Overall, the large oysters had lower HDLM values (32.9 ± 3.5%) than the small individuals in June (45.7 ± 2.8%) but similar values in August (46.6 ± 3.5%). Small oysters subjected to hot water immersion in June exhibited a 50% reduction in shell growth and a 50% mortality rate after one month. Our results indicate that air drying is more suitable than hot water immersion as an anti‐fouling treatment for <45 mm oysters.     

The Effects of Stocking Density,Bag Mesh Size,and Bottom Sediment on the Growth and Survival of the Eastern Oyster,Crassostrea virginica,with Emphasis on Controlling Oyster Spat Fouling

This study was designed to determine if oyster spat fouling upon adult oysters, Crassostrea virginica, cultured in coastal Georgia could be controlled by stocking density, bag mesh size, substrate type, and tidal level (intertidally or subtidally). Oyster gowth and survival was also monitored for each treatment. Sediment type had no effect on the number of spat per oyster either in intertidal or subtidal areas. Greater growth occurred in subtidal bags placed on sandmud and sandclay substrates. Intertidal mud and sandhnud bottom treatments showed the least growth. Survival of oysters grown intertidally (64%) was better the those cultured subtidally (27%). Mesh size of the oyster growing bags -had no effect upon oysler fouling or growth (shell length) and survival of the oysters they contained. Stocking density did affect oyster fouling, with lower fouling per oyster in higher density treatments. Density had no effect on oyster growth (shell length) or survival at the levels tested. Heavy fouling occurred on all oysters in the mesh and stocking density experiments while they were suspended off-bottom, but an I l -fold decrease in fouling occurred after bags were placed on the sublidal river bottom.     

Donor effect on cultured pearl nacre development and shell matrix gene expression in Pinctada margaritifera reared in different field sites

Understanding the respective roles played by donor and recipient pearl oysters in pearl quality determination in relation to the environment is a challenge for the pearl industry. In most Pinctada species, pearl size is mainly related to recipient oyster growth performance but also relies to some extent on the biomineralisation activity of the pearl sac, a tissue that originates from the donor oyster mantle. We examined donor effect on pearl size in response to culture in the lagoons on Arutua and Apataki atolls. Overall, nacre weight and thickness were greater in Arutua than in Apataki, but sensitivity to the environment differed between donors. Some donors were associated with significantly heavier and thicker nacre in Arutua (I group), while others had similar results at the two sites (NI group). On average, up to 20% of the pearl size could be attributed to the donor but, in group I, donor effect was responsible for up to 36% of nacre weight determination. Additionally, a real‐time PCR expression study of eight matrix protein genes related to biomineralisation in the pearl sac showed that MSI60, pearlin and pif177 were significantly and positively correlated with nacre weight and thickness, with the latter two genes explaining the larger pearl size observed in Arutua. Donor oysters in P. margaritifera therefore play a key role in pearl size improvement, related to the role of the shell matrix protein genes. Understanding such contributions could help in the design of genetic selection plans for specific and adapted donor oyster lines.     

Factors influencing the quality of half‐pearls (mabé) produced by the winged pearl oyster,Pteria penguin (Röding, 1758)

The winged pearl oyster, Pteria penguin, is cultured primarily to produce half‐pearls (mabé). The mabé quality is influenced by culture techniques, but there is limited information in this field. P. penguin with mean (±SE) dorso‐ventral height of 250 ± 6.5 mm were used to investigate the influence of culture period and nucleus position on mabé quality. Oysters were relaxed using 1‐propylene phenoxetol, and five nuclei were glued at different positions to the inner surfaces of the oyster shells; three on the more concave left valve and two on the right valve. Nucleated oysters were then cultured for 10 months under commercial pearl farming conditions at Savusavu in Fiji. Nacre deposited at the base and top of the nuclei was measured monthly, from the 6th to the 10th months of culture and the different qualities of mabé produced at different positions were scrutinized. Nacre thicknesses at the base and top of the resulting mabé were significantly different at different months (P < 0.05) and the rate of nacre deposition was highest during the warmer months. The different positions of nuclei on the valve greatly affected the quality of mabé formed. After a 10‐month culture period, around 1 mm of nacre covered the nuclei although the best quality mabé were obtained after 9 months.     

Phenotypic indicators for cultured pearl size improvement in the black‐lipped pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera): towards selection for the recipient growth performance

The black‐lipped pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, is the most important farmed species in French Polynesia and the basis of the most valuable export industry. Mass production of black pearls relies on a surgical operation requiring tissue from a donor pearl oyster to be grafted, together with a nucleus made of shell, into the gonad of a recipient oyster. Improving pearl size through family selection remains one of the main challenges for future aquaculture development. This study analyses the relative contribution of donor and recipient oysters to pearl size. To this end, hatchery‐produced donor oysters of two batches, large and small (based on shell height), were used to supply grafts for recipients, which were then monitored individually for their growth performance by recording shell height, width, and thickness, and total live weight (flesh + shells) every 6 months (four biometric measurement times) over 20 months of culture. Pearls issued from the two batches of donors showed no significant differences in nacre weight or thickness. In contrast, recipient oyster shell height and total weight were increasingly positively correlated with these pearl size parameters over the culture period, becoming significant at 8 months post‐grafting. Potential therefore exists to use shell height and oyster weight as phenotypic indicators for selective breeding of recipient oysters with high growth performance to increase pearl size in P. margaritifera.     

Species identification of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinctada imbricata</Emphasis> using intergenic spacer of nuclear ribosomal RNA genes and mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene regions

ABSTRACT:   For pearl production, pearl oyster seeds from foreign pearl oysters as well as hybrids between native and such foreign pearl oysters are produced in Japanese hatcheries. However, it is very difficult to identify these pearl oysters and hybrids based on morphological measurements. Thus, a molecular identification method for distinguishing Atlantic pearl oysters Pinctada imbricata from the Indian-Pacific pearl oyster group including P. martensii and P. fucata , was developed. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of the partial intergenic spacer (IGS) of nuclear ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes exhibited length polymorphism between P. imbricata (590 bp) and the other two species (427 bp). The restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the PCR products (PCR-RFLP) cleaved with Mse  I observed in the IGS of nuclear rRNA genes also gave different profiles between P. imbricata and the other two species. The difference in PCR-RFLP using Alu  I was also detected in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene regions between P. imbricata and the other two species. Thus, the method developed enables the distinction of P. imbricata from P. martensii and P. fucata .     

广西茅尾海的香港巨牡蛎(Crassostrea hongkongensis)在不同养殖区的性腺发育变化

为探究香港巨牡蛎(Crassostrea hongkongensis)的繁殖特性以及春季死亡原因,采用肉眼观察、活体镜检和组织切片方法研究了茅尾海沙井的香港巨牡蛎苗种吊养于大风江黄场的1龄牡蛎的性腺发育周年变化,并建立了快速判断香港巨牡蛎性腺发育程度的方法.对比分析了吊养在茅尾海沙井、大风江入海口内的黄场和入海口外的鑫丰场的2龄牡蛎性腺发育的启动和发展过程.结果显示,广西茅尾海的香港巨牡蛎每年只有1个繁殖周期,性腺发育过程可划分为未分化期(1-3月)、分化期(4月)、成熟排放期(5-10月)及休止期(11-12月)4个阶段;1龄和2龄牡蛎的性腺发育基本同步;大风江入海口外的牡蛎的性腺发育较入海口内的牡蛎提前约15d,而比茅尾海内海的牡蛎提前约30 d,入海口外的牡蛎的性腺4月即发育到成熟排放期,冬季饵料的丰富程度和温度、盐度等因素可能是造成这种差异的原因.研究还发现,高温少雨天气下,海水盐度高,抑制了牡蛎性细胞的排放,导致入海口外侧吊养牡蛎的大规模死亡,濒临死亡的牡蛎性腺处于退化和崩解状态.鉴于此,认为4月初即需密切监测吊养于入海口外的牡蛎性腺的发育状况和天气状况,及时收获性腺饱满的牡蛎,或将吊养牡蛎的蚝排放置在河流入海口内区域过冬.     

Genetic variation of hatchery and wild stocks of the pearl oyster <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinctada fucata martensii</Emphasis> (Dunker, 1872), assessed by mitochondrial DNA analysis

In order to provide baseline information for the genetic resources, genetic variation in wild and cultured Pinctada fucata martensii from southern Korea and Japan was studied using nucleotide sequence analysis of 379 base pairs (bp) in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (COI). The study included three hatchery stocks from Korea (Tongyeong) and Japan (Mie and Tsushima) and one wild stock from Korea (Geoje). A total of 3 haplotypes were identified in hatchery stocks of 78 individuals, of which 63 individuals shared 1 haplotype. Overall, nucleotide diversity (π) was low, ranging from 0.000 to 0.002, and haplotype diversity (h) ranged from 0.000 to 0.541. Considerably low haplotype and nucleotide diversities in hatchery stock indicated that low effective population size and consecutive selective breeding of P. fucata martensii could be responsible for the reduction in genetic variation. The wild stock exhibited low haplotype diversity (0.507 ± 0.039) with two shared haplotypes. The results of the present study with first record of wild pearl oyster in Korea support the possibility that the transplanted pearl oyster for overwintering experiments could have survived in winter. In order to enhance and/or maintain genetic diversity in the hatchery stock, further research should be directed toward genetic monitoring and evaluation of the hatchery and wild pearl oysters.     

Age‐dependence of cultured pearl grade and colour in the black‐lipped pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera

Pinctada margaritifera is an economically important marine bivalve species for cultured pearl production in French Polynesian aquaculture. In order to evaluate the influence of donor oyster age on pearl quality traits, experiments were conducted over 6 years using both grafts and surgreffe operations. At harvest, six pearl quality traits were recorded and compared: surface defects, lustre, grade, darkness level and visual colour. Analysing the quality traits of pearls harvested in the initial graft process and those of pearls obtained from surgreffe experiments allowed a comparison of the influence of pearl sac cells originating from the initial mantle graft, which aged together with their recipient oysters. The results demonstrated a significant decrease between these successive grafts in lustre, grade (A‐B‐C), darkness level, and green colour – traits that are of major importance in the pearl market. The duplicated graft experiment allowed the comparison of donor oyster families at 2 and 5 years old, where a mantle graft was inserted into recipient oysters aged 2.5 years. The results showed the same tendencies to a lesser extent, with (i) an improved pearl grade, predominantly through a most important rate of 0 surface defect category, and (ii) a green/grey ratio in favour of the younger donor. A comparison between the graft‐surgreffe and the duplicated graft experiments also highlighted: (i) the indirect role played by the younger recipient oysters, which must be optimized for optimal pearl quality realization, and (ii) the complex interplay between the donor and recipient oysters.     

Reproductive condition of the pearl oyster, Pinctada imbricata, Röding, in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia

In an investigation of the potential for pearl production in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, changes in the physical and reproductive condition of the pearl oyster, Pinctada imbricata, were monitored for over 2 years. Using wild oysters gathered from close to the southern extent of the species' range in Port Stephens, NSW, a series of macroscopic and histological observations were made. Reproductive activity in P. imbricata was greatest from late spring to early autumn with oysters in poor reproductive condition during winter. Peaks in reproductive indices occurred in November 1998, March 1999, December 1999 and April 2000. Four indices of physiological condition were used: shell growth, byssal attachment, mantle thickness and mucoprotien layer. With the exception of the thickness and extent of the mucoprotein layer, these indices either showed little variation or the variation that occurred was not related to seasonal or reproductive changes. Changes in the mucoprotein layer were correlated with water temperature and suggest that this layer is metabolized during periods of high demand such as during gonadogenesis. Collectors deployed at two sites in Port Stephens demonstrated that spatfall occurs largely in the months of December and January following the spring and early summer peaks in reproductive activity (November 1998 and December 1999). Spatfall was not observed following the autumnal peaks (March 1999 and April 2000) in reproductive activity. Overall, reproductive patterns in P. imbricata are poorly suited to spat supply in Port Stephens. Farmers require spat in early spring (September) to allow maximum use of the ‘growing’ season (September–May). Reproductively capable oysters are not available from the wild until September and quantity of natural spatfall is too variable and occurs too late in the season (December–January). As a result, oysters are being conditioned in the hatchery in July, spawned in August and spat are supplied to farmers in mid September.     

Growth,mortality and reproductive traits of diploid and triploid Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas,THUNBERG, 1793) in Southern Brazil

This work aimed to evaluate the whole weight (g), shell height (mm), mortality (%) and reproductive aspects (condition index and histology) of triploid (3N) Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) cultivated in southern Brazil. To accomplish this, a comparative experiment was performed with a diploid (2N) control group in two cultivation sites on Santa Catarina Island: North Bay (NB) and South Bay (SB). Whole weight, height and cumulative mortality were evaluated monthly for eight months and condition index (CI) for six months. Histological analysis was performed every two weeks for four months to investigate reproductive aspects. At the end of the experiment, whole weight and height were similar for 3N and 2N oysters. However, while more growth in whole weight and height was observed in the initial phase of cultivation in NB, such growth was not detected in SB until intermediate and final grow‐out phase. At harvest, cumulative mortality in 3N oysters was similar that in 2N oysters. The results suggest that diploid and triploid oysters grown in southern Brazil have similar developmental patterns based on whole weight and height, as well as reproductive cycle. In addition, cultivation sites have more influence on growth and mortality than ploidy levels.     

Growth and survival of the winged pearl oyster Pteria sterna (Gould, 1851) in suspended culture in the tropical Eastern Pacific: Influence of environmental factors

The growth, survival and influence of environmental factors were analysed in two cohorts of cultured Pteria sterna in Ayangue Bay, Province of Santa Elena, Ecuador (tropical Eastern Pacific). Juveniles representing cohorts I and II (8.4 ± 0.54 and 5.0 ± 0.17 mm in dorso‐ventral axis) were deployed in November 2015 and February 2016, and grown in pearl nets suspended in a long line for 12 and 10 months respectively. The stocking density was monthly and bi‐monthly reduced during sampling of individuals to determine growth in dorso‐ventral shell axis, dry mass of shell, soft tissues and dry mass of fouling on shell. Water temperature, salinity, total seston and phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll a) were determined at the culture site. Results showed that P. sterna reached ~100 mm in length during the first year of culture. Although little negative influence of environmental factors was detected, high temperatures during the reproduction period can be the most negative influential trait. The highest tissue mass (6 g), which occurred at the 10th month of cultivation, as well as a high availability of spat by artificial collectors in the coastal waters, showed that the species can be considered a good candidate for aquaculture in the tropical eastern Pacific.     

Impact of a native predatory whelk on cultivated oysters (Crassostrea gigas) crops in San Quintin Bay, Mexico

San Quintin Bay (Baja, California, Mexico) is extensively utilized by artisanal farmers to cultivate Pacific oysters ( Crassostrea gigas ) using a rope/rack system. A large juvenile oyster mortality event was significantly correlated with the presence of native predatory whelks, Macron trochlea . Surveys, field and lab experiments were performed to identify the predatory behaviour of the whelk, determine factors affecting oyster mortality, and quantify the impact on oyster farmers. Macron trochlea was found to be a voracious, active predator, which can consume ∼4 juvenile oysters day⁻¹. Juvenile oysters suffer significantly higher mortality in the presence of whelks. Macron trochlea has the largest impact on small oysters. Once oysters grow to >30 mm they reach a size refuge above which there is much lower mortality. At average growth rates, an oyster can escape predation after ∼3 months. But, in areas of highest whelk densities, at average predation rates, whelks could consume the standing crop of juvenile oysters in approximately 43 days. For the artisanal oyster farmers of San Quintin this represents a substantial economic loss, which was unaccounted for previously. Farmers can reduce loss to whelk predation by seeding juvenile oysters in low whelk density areas until oysters reach the size refuge.     

Varying the timing of oyster transplant: implications for management from simulation studies

The transplanting of oysters from one ground to another is a common practice in the oyster industry. In Delaware Bay, for instance, oysters are typically transplanted from upper-bay low-salinity seed beds onto lower-bay leased grounds for growth and conditioning before market. The higher salinity on the leased grounds, however, also favours higher losses to predation and disease. A coupled oyster–Perkinsus marinus–predator model was used to investigate how varying the timing of transplant affects the ultimate yield of Eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica, in Delaware Bay. Simulations were run in which oysters were moved from seed beds to leased grounds in November, January, March, April and May. The number of market-size (≥ 76 mm) adults available for harvest in the following July to November was compared for populations undergoing mortality from predation (crabs, oyster drills) and/or disease (Perkinsus marinus). In all simulations, the abundance of market-size oysters declined between July and November. However, transplanting oysters in November resulted in the largest yield of market-size oysters for all harvest times; transplanting in May resulted in the smallest yield. The autumn transplant allows oysters to benefit from the larger spring phytoplankton bloom over the leased grounds in the lower estuary. The effect of varying the season of transplant was most noticeable if oysters were harvested early (July or August). In all simulations, transplanting resulted in a higher abundance of market-size oysters than direct harvest from the seed beds. Direct harvest would rarely be advantageous if the cost of transplant were insignificant and the relative rates of mortality were as stipulated. However, a May transplant is only moderately better than a direct harvest and the economic benefits of either option are likely to be determined by the cost of transplanting and the mortality associated with the process. In the same vein, the decision as to when to harvest relies on balancing the increased price obtained for oysters in the autumn with the increased loss owing to predation and disease. Awaiting an autumn harvest is clearly much riskier if the principal source of mortality is disease rather than predation, because disease mortality is concentrated on the market-size oysters and is greatest in the autumn.     

Quantitative quality evaluation of Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) cultured by two different methods

In order to evaluate the quality of oysters and whether a production method affects quality or not, a set of objective quantitative quality measures was developed. Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) were cultured using two different treatments (never desiccated or desiccated daily with tidal exposure) and the meats were tested by textural, physico‐chemical and chemical analyses over a 25‐day cold storage period. Texture analyses parameters (cutting force and chewiness on oyster adductor muscles) were strongly correlated with storage time before the death of oysters and could be used as a quality indicator for oyster. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) could be used as freshness indicator for raw Eastern oysters, with the acceptability of 11 mg/100 g. Models for evaluating the quality of oysters were established that reflect the impact of a biofouling treatment on oyster's shelf life and texture attributes. The methods and quality indicators developed in this study were effective in evaluating the quality and freshness of Eastern oysters objectively, and could serve as routine quality check of oyster meat for the industry.     

Growth and survival of the Calafia mother-of-pearl oyster Pinctada mazatlanica (Hanley 1856) under different sequences of nursery culture–late culture at Bahía de La Paz, Baja California Sur, México

The Calafia mother‐of‐pearl oyster, Pinctada mazatlanica (Hanley), and the Rainbow nacre shell, Pteria sterna (Gould), represent an important resource for México because of their potential in pearl production. The present work deals with the effect of different sequences of nursery culture‐late culture on growth and survival of P. mazatlanica, from September 1993 to October 1994. The collected spat presented two main size groups: small (mean shell height of 7 mm), and large (13 mm). They were arranged into four experimental batches for each size group at a constant stocking density of 40–45 juvenile pearl oysters per Nestier cage. Three batches remained in nursery culture for 2, 4 and 6 months respectively, after which they were transferred to late culture in rail cages. A control group remained in nursery culture for 12 months. Growth was evaluated monthly and compared through anova and HSD Tukey tests. In addition to the shell height, width, depth (mm) and weight (g), data of shell volume (height × width × depth, in mm³) was also introduced to estimate and compare growth among the experimental groups. Mortality was estimated by counting the dead specimens every month and obtaining the percentage from a 100% initial survival at the start of the experiment. The juveniles showed different responses to the change from nursery culture to late culture; the level of each response varied significantly among the experimental groups at the end of the study. It seemed that a 6‐month period for nursery culture was propitious for P. mazatlanica.