Comparative Gametogenesis of Spisula solidissima solidissima and Spisula solidissima similis Cultured in Coastal Georgia

Abstract— The reproductive cycle of two subspecies of surfclams, Spisula solidissimu solidissima and Spisulu solidissimu similis , cultured under similar nursery and field conditions were examined. Monthly gonadal examination showed that S. s. similis initiated gametogenesis, achieved mature status, and spawned earlier than S. s. solidissimu. S. s. similis spawned from January to June, while S. s. solidissimu spawned in May. S. s. similis exhibited an equal sex ratio; whereas, S. s. solidissima had significantly more males than females (1.00 M: 0.32 F). Implications for aquaculture development of surfclams are discussed.     

Comparison of Three Culture Methods for the Intensive Culture of Northern Quahog Seed, Mercenaria mercenaria

A number of approaches have been utilized for growing bivalve hatchery seed (1 mm) to a size suitable for field planting (< 8 mm) but few have been directly compared. This study evaluated the growth and survival of northern quahog seed in three different culture systems and two different stocking densities. The three systems were: 1) a stacked-tray unit with downward water flow; 2) traditional upweller culture units with water flowing upward without seed bed expansion; and 3) upweller culture units with water flowing upward at fluidization velocities to provide seed bed expansion. The two stocking densities were 1.0 and 3.0 g whole wet weight clam/cm² respectively. During each trial period the seed clams were fed a 1% daily ration (% dry weight algae per wet weight clam per day) of the cultured diatom Chaetoceros muelleri . After 14 d of culture at the 1.0 g whole wet weight/cm² stocking density, seed clams (4.4 ± 0.6 mm initial shell length) under fluidized-flow condition exhibited better growth (0.54/d), and a greater final shell length (5.9 ± 1.0 mm). At the high density stocking conditions, after 28 d of culture, seed clams (4.2 ± 0.6 mm initial shell length) in the fluidized-flow culture conditions again exhibited better growth rate (0.031/d) and a greater final shell length (6.0 ± 1.0 mm). The preliminary evaluation of fluidized-flow for seed clam culture in land-based nurseries indicates its potential as a suitable alternative to raceway, downwelling, or traditional forced-flow culture methods.     

Intertidal Growth and Survival of Northern Quahogs Mercenaria mercenaria (Linnaeus 1758) and Atlantic Surf Clams Spisula solidissima (Dillwyn 1817) in Georgia

This work reports on the effects of intertidal planting heights upon the growth and survival of the northern quahog, Mereenaria mercenaria (L.) and the Atlantic sod clam, Spisula solidissima (Dillwyn), in the castal waters of Georgia. Quahogs (N = 100 per cage) at 19.5 mm in shell length were planted in replicate cages (N = 3) placed at the spring (SLW), mean (MLW), one (+1), two (+2), and three (+3) hours above mean low water mark. Surf clams (N = 200 per cage) at 41.5 mm in shell length were placed in replicate cages (N = 3) deployed, as above, in all sites except +3. Quahogs grown at the SLW mark after 15 months were significantly larger than clams planted at other tidal heights. Quahogs planted at the MLW mark were significantly greater in shell length than those planted at the +3, +2, and +1 marks. Clams at the upper three sites were not significantly different in size. An inverse relationship between clam growth and intertidal planting height was evident among surf clams. Surf clams grown at the SLW mark for six months were signplificmtly larger than those at the MLW mark which were larger than those grown at the +1 above MLW mark. No significant differences in quahog survival were detected between intertidal planting sites. There was no significant difference in surf clam survival between SLW (77.5%) and MLW (61%) marks, but there was significantly lower survival at the +1 mark (15%) and no survival at the +2 mark.     

Effects of Temperature and Salinity upon Larval Growth, Survival and Development in Hatchery Reared Southern Atlantic Surfclams Spisula solidissima similis

Abstract.– Parameters associated with optimum larval-rearing conditions are important in developing the culturing protocol of potential aquacultural species, and have yet to be addressed in terms of water temperature and salinity for Spisula solidissima similis , the southern Atlantic surfclam. Hatchery spawned S. s. similis larvae were reared to late pediveliger stage in five simultaneously conducted water temperature and salinity treatments. This larval growth and survival experimentation consisted of three salinity treatments (15, 25 and 30 ppt) in conjunction with a water temperature of 20 C, and two water temperature treatments (15 and 25 C) in conjunction with a salinity of 25 ppt. In the 20 C temperature treatment, significantly higher larval survival and greater growth occurred (both, P < 0.0001) as compared to the 15 C and 25 C treatments by day 22. Complete larval mortality occurred in the 20 C, 15 ppt salinity treatment by day 4. No significant differences in larval survival occurred between the 25 ppt, 20 C and 30 ppt, 20 C treatments by day 22 (P = 0.714). However, significantly greater larval growth occurred in the 25 ppt, 20 C compared to the 30 ppt, 20 C treatment (P = 0.009). The optimum rearing temperature and salinity for hatchery spawned S s. similis larvae to late pediveliger stage are 20 C and 25 ppt, respectively, within the temperatures and salinities tested.     

Underestimation of primary productivity on continental shelves: evidence from maximum size of extant surfclam (Spisula solidissima) populations

Atlantic surfclams (Spisula solidissima), among the largest extant non‐symbiotic clam species in the world, live in dense aggregations along the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB) continental shelf. The food resources that support these populations are poorly understood. An individual‐based model that simulates the growth of post‐settlement surfclams was used to investigate the quantity of food needed to maintain existing surfclam populations along the MAB continental shelf. Food inputs to the model were based on measured near‐bottom water‐column chlorophyll concentrations. Simulations showed that these water‐column food sources supported only 65% of the observed body mass of a standard large surfclam (160‐mm shell length). Additional simulations using benthic food sources to supplement water‐column food sources by 20% generated surfclams that grew to observed size and biomass and exhibited spawn timing consistent with the known surfclam spawning season. The simulation results suggest that measured water‐column chlorophyll concentrations may underestimate the food available to the continental shelf benthos. Large continental shelf bivalves are an essential resource for fisheries and higher trophic level consumers. Understanding available and utilized food resources is important for predicting long‐term impacts of climate change on benthic secondary production and fishery yield on the continental shelf.     

Some effects of gas-supersaturated seawater on Spisula solidissima and Argopecten irradians

Two size classes of the surf clam, Spisula solidissima, and the bay scallop, Argopecten irradians, were exposed to different concentrations of gas-supersaturated seawater in a flowing seawater system. Both species tested experienced no mortality when held in the control treatment maintained at 96% oxygen and 109% nitrogen. Mortality, gill tissue damage, gas emboli, membranous tissue blisters, and abnormal secretion of shell material were induced experimentally at elevated levels of gas supersaturation. Results indicate significant mortalities of surf clams and scallops held at 114% O₂ and 195% N₂, and at higher levels of gas concentration. These values suggest a point of reference for the bivalve culturist in identifying potential problems which can be caused by gas-supersaturated seawater.     

Influence of starvation, body size and temperature on ammonia excretion in the marine bivalve Tapes decussatus (L.)

Abstract. Ammonia excretion rate of the marine bivalve Tapes decussatus (L.) varied with body weight, temperature and starvation. There was a steady state in the excretion rates, in which these rates neither increased nor decreased during the first 6 days of starvation. The highest rates of ammonia excreted during the steady state (before decline to lower level) depended on the temperature (715 ± 86 and 395 ± 55 μg NH₄.N/clam/h × 10⁻²) at 28°C and 20°C, respectively. At 16°C, the steady state extended from 6h to 18d starvation. Ammonia excretion rates were higher for starved clams than for fed clams at all sizes, e.g. clams of 0·07 g dry flesh weight (28 ± 9 and 13 ± 5 μg NH₄.N/clam/h × 10⁻² respectively) at 16°C but not at 20°C and 28°C. At each temperature, weight-specific ammonia excretion rates were related to dry flesh weight of starved clams but were not related to fed ones.     

Growth of the hard clam Meretrix lusoria in Taiwan

The growth of hard clam Meretrix lusoria in Taiwan was observed as it was grown at six different stocking rates (55, 109, 172, 244, 344 and 455 clams/m²), from November 1979 to September 1980. It was found that the stocking rate had more effect on the increase of the total weight of the clam than on the shell length. Under the environmental condition of the study site, the optimum stocking rate was 244 clams/m². When the net production of the clam was lower than 1103 g/m², the growth of the individual clam was not affected by the stocking rate. But when the net production was higher than 1589 g/m², the growth of the individual clam seemed to be retarded. The average pH of the sea water in the clam culture area was between 7.9 and 8.4. The average dissolved oxygen content was between 4.2 and 11.2 mg/l. And the average water salinity was between 30‰ and 35‰. All these three factors did not seem to have direct relationship with the growth of the clams. Sea water temperature, however, showed great effects on the growth of the clams. It is shown that the growth of the hard clam was slow at a water temperature of 15–18°C, increased at 20–22°C, and accelerated at 25–32°C.     

胶州湾移植底播菲律宾蛤仔的生长和死亡特性

2004年5月至2005年4月对胶州湾菲律宾蛤仔（Rudimpes philippinarum）底播增殖区进行了逐月定点采样，将样品带回放于实验室内水族箱暂养，每站随机取样，共对3269个个体进行了基本生物学特性测定，研究了移植底播菲律宾蛤仔的生长、死亡等渔业生物学特性。结果表明，底播增殖菲律宾蛤仔苗种的平均个体质量0．26g、平均壳长11．1mm；底播蛤仔与野生蛤仔在生长规律上基本一致，春末至秋初（4～9月）是其主要生长期；1～3龄期间个体生长速度较快，1～2龄、2～3龄，个体质量分别增长3．88g和4．02g；1～2龄生物量增长最快，2～3龄由于死亡率增大，其生物量增长缓慢；1～3龄蛤仔软体部的生长速度快于贝壳，5～6月是菲律宾蛤仔的繁殖肥育期。根据个体生长特性，3龄为最佳采捕年龄；根据目前的养殖状况，2龄蛤仔已达到商品规格，从生物量上分析，采捕2龄蛤仔收益最高；6月是最佳的捕获时期。蛤仔生长具有明显的季节变化，水温是影响菲律宾蛤仔生长的主要环境因子。[中国水产科学，2006，13（4）：642—649]     

Semi-Intensive Commercial Grow-Out of Penaeus vannamei Fed Diets Containing Differing Levels of Crude Protein During Wet and Dry Seasons in Honduras

Shrimp were grown under ideal management conditions during two distinct seasons of the year at stocking densities used most often in Honduras with the objective of evaluating the usefulness of high protein diets. A randomized design in 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was used to test a diet composed of either 20 or 40% crude protein in earthen ponds that were stocked with juvenile Penaeus vannamei at 5 to 11/m². The study was repeated during wet and dry seasons. Dietary protein level had no significant effect ( P > O .05) on survival, yield, or average weight of shrimp at either density during either season. Higher stocking rates yielded significantly greater shrimp production during both seasons. Mean shrimp weight in high density ponds was significantly lower than mean shrimp weight in low density ponds during the wet season, but there was no significant weight difference because of stocking density during the dry season. Mean survival was significantly lower at the higher stocking rate during the dry season. Net income was negative during the dry season, particularly at the high stocking density. Mean production was 240% greater in the wet season than in the dry season. Diets offered P. vannamei stocked at 5 to 11/m² should contain no more than 20% protein, regardless of season. Higher dietary protein levels increase costs and waste nitrogen without resulting in greater shrimp yields. The high stocking density might increase profitability in the wet season, but long term sustainable production may be more feasible at lower stocking rates because of reduced nutrient wastes.     

Effects of Culture Area,Stocking Density,and Shrimp and Fish Polyculture on the Cost Efficiency of Hard Clam,Meretrix meretrix,Culture: A Case Study of Hard Clam Farms in Yunlin,Taiwan

Using the hard clam farms in Yunlin, Taiwan as examples, this study analyzes the effects of culture area, stocking density, and shrimp and fish polyculture on the cost efficiency (CE) of hard clam farming. A data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to estimate the farms' technical efficiency (TE), allocative efficiency (AE), and CE values. The findings show that the mean TE, AE, and CE values of hard clam farms are 0.74, 0.57, and 0.43, respectively. The TE value is higher than the AE value, which indicates that cost inefficiency is mainly attributable to poor AE. Tobit regression results suggest that there are positive relationships between CE and both culture area and operator experience. Hard clam stocking density and age of the operators have negative effects on CE. Hard clam culture areas larger than 2 ha and a stocking density of 1.1–1.2 million hard clams per hectare have higher CEs than smaller culture areas and smaller or larger stocking densities. The use of sand shrimp, white shrimp, kuruma shrimp, and grass shrimp for polyculture and the use of milkfish and silver sea bream for polyculture are both associated with high CEs.     

养殖密度对克氏原螯虾生长及消化酶、免疫酶活性的影响

水温(25±1)℃时,将体质量(3.11±0.10)g的克氏原螯虾幼虾饲养在120 cm×60 cm×20 cm的水族箱中,密度分别为14尾/m2(低密度组)、28尾/m2(中密度组)和42尾/m2(高密度组),研究室内养殖不同密度对生长、摄食、消化酶活性及非特异性免疫的影响.8周的养殖结果显示,克氏原螯虾的存活率随养...     

Seed clam,Mercenaria mercenaria,culture in an experimental-scale upflow nursery system

Upflow nursery culture of bivalve seed, while in widespread use in France and England, has experienced only limited application in commercial-scale nurseries in the United States. Reported studies on appropriate flow rates, stocking densities, and carrying capacities for upflow culture either have used water from fertilized ponds or have provided supplemental feeding with cultured algae. There have been no published results of upflow use in natural waters. This study was conducted to evaluate growth of seed clams, Mercenaria mercenaria, in an upflow nursery culture system in South Carolina relying on natural productivity as the only food source. Experimental-scale passive upflow cylinders were stocked with small seed clams (initial mean size ∼ 4.0 mm) at various densities (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, 30.0, and 40.0 kg/m²) in trials initiated at different times of the year (∼ quarterly). Cultures received a continuous uniform water flow rate of 2.5 l/min from an adjacent estuary, at ambient phytoplankton concentration, temperature and salinity. Most rapid growth was obtained with seed stocked in April and October, when water temperatures were between 18 and 22°C. Monthly biomass increases as high as 267 g/100 g were achieved. Growth was positively correlated with flow rate in all seasons except winter. A flow:biomass ratio of 15:1 resulted in a doubling of biomass in 30 days, while a ratio of 30:1 resulted in a tripling over the same period. Under favorable environmental conditions, a biomass doubling could be achieved at stocking densities as high as 20 kg/m². Maximum production over a 3-month period was 495 g (309 g/100 g) of 7 mm seed, corresponding to 62 kg/m². Although water requirements were similar to those previously reported for raceway culture in South Carolina, results indicated much greater biomass carrying capacities per unit area with upflow culture systems.     

Experimental challenges of juvenile and adult Manila clams with the protozoan Perkinsus olseni at different temperatures

Infection with Perkinsus species, primarily P. olseni, is thought to be a major cause of the decline of Manila clam populations in Japan since the 1980s. However, the pathogenicity of the infection has not been sufficiently evaluated to estimate the impact of infection on wild Manila clam populations. We experimentally challenged juvenile (3- to 6-mm shell length) and adult (18- to 22-mm shell length) Manila clams with P. olseni at 18, 23, 28, and 30 °C. Mortality was significantly higher in challenged groups than in control groups. The difference in mean mortality between the challenged and control groups (all life stages and temperatures) was only significant above a threshold of infection intensity ~10⁶ cells/g soft wet tissue (SWT). As temperature increased, the onset of mortality occurred more rapidly. The increase in mortality occurred earlier in juveniles than adults at 28 °C and lower. Our results suggest that the pathogenicity of P. olseni is higher in juveniles than in adults and at higher water temperatures. Given the infection intensities (ca. 10⁶ cells/g SWT) previously reported in wild Manila clams, the parasite likely has considerable impact on wild Manila clam populations, particularly juveniles during periods of high temperature.     

文蛤动态能量收支模型构建、验证与应用

为评估文蛤生态容量,实验根据动态能量收支理论,基于R语言构建了文蛤动态能量收支模型,采用线性与非线性回归法估算模型参数,通过对比围塘环境下文蛤壳长、湿重、软体部湿重的实测值与模拟值验证模型,并应用于模拟黄海海域滩涂区文蛤的生长过程。结果显示,文蛤模型主要参数形状系数、阿伦纽斯温度系数和单位体积结构物质所需能量分别为0.57、9 278 K和2 056 J/cm³;实测与模拟的文蛤壳长、湿重和软体部湿重相关系数R²平均为0.996,模拟值与实测值的平均误差为3.58%;如东沿海区域6月实测文蛤软体部干重为0.48 g,壳长3.12 cm,模型模拟的软体部干重、湿重和壳长分别为0.476 g,6.6 g和3.2 cm。研究表明,实验构建的文蛤动态能量收支模型的准确度较高,可真实地反映出文蛤在自然水域中的生长过程,为评估文蛤生态容纳量及构建文蛤相关的生态系统模型提供科学参考。     

Effects of stocking density on the survival, growth, size variation and condition index of juvenile rabbitfish Siganus rivulatus

Spinefoot rabbitfish, Siganus rivulatus, is an economically important species of herbivorous fish that is relatively easy to rear and thus considered to be suitable for aquaculture. Juveniles are generally reared in nursery systems before being stocked into growout cages or ponds. We report here our evaluation of the effects of stocking density on the survival, growth, feed efficiency and condition index of S. rivulatus juveniles in nursery tanks. The experiment was conducted in a recirculating system of twelve 52-l aquaria connected to a biological filter and a sand filter. Juvenile fish (average weight 6.5 g) were stocked into aquaria at four stocking densities (10, 20, 30, and 40 fish/aquarium) with three replicate aquaria per treatment. Diet was provided at 3% body weight daily divided into two feedings. Fish were weighed weekly for 8 weeks and the diet increased accordingly. Survival was greater than 95% in all treatments, with no significant differences observed among treatments. There were also no differences in specific growth rate (SGR 2.12–2.27) of the fish among treatments. Growth rate was linear during the 8 weeks in all treatments, and harvested biomass increased proportionally to stocking density (198, 401, 600 and 785 g per increasing stocking density, respectively). Feed efficiency (FE 0.67–0.71) of the fish did not vary significantly among treatments. The coefficient of variation was high (35–41%) among the harvested fish, but it also did not differ significantly among treatments. The final condition indices of the fish in all treatments were similar to each other but significantly greater than the initial values (P < 0.05). The results suggest that there is no apparent effect of stocking density at the levels tested on the survival and growth of juvenile rabbitfish.     

Growth and survival of juvenile lined seahorse,Hippocampus erectus (Perry), at different stocking densities

The lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus (Perry), is an important species in both medicinal and aquarium trades. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of stocking density (1, 3 and 5 individuals L⁻¹) on the growth performance and survival of the early-stage juvenile H. erectus. The height (HT), wet weight, weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) were affected significantly by the stocking density during the 40-day study. The HT, WG and SGR of the seahorse at 1 and 3 juveniles L⁻¹ were significantly higher than that at 5 juveniles L⁻¹. The survival of juveniles at the three stocking densities was not significantly different at day 25 (90.3 ± 4.5%, 86.7 ± 4.2% and 86.2 ± 3.8% for 1, 3 and 5 juveniles L⁻¹ respectively), but was significantly different at day 40 (87.8 ± 3.9%, 69.6 ± 4.2% and 52.9 ± 2.8% for 1, 3 and 5 juveniles L⁻¹ respectively). For the early-stage juvenile H. erectus, we recommend a stocking density of 3 juveniles L⁻¹, but the density should be reduced to 1–2 juveniles L⁻¹ to avoid reduced and variable growth and high mortality after 25 days.     

Long-term effects of stocking density on somatic growth,gonad index and survival of the juvenile sea urchin, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis</Emphasis>

Juvenile Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis (average wet weight = 4.0 g) were held at three initial stocking densities (15, 30 and 60 animals per tray, which equates to 0.25, 0.5 and 1 kg sea urchins/m² surface area, respectively) under constant light and temperature conditions (LD 24:0 and 8.8°C) for 380 days. The somatic growth and survival of the urchins were monitored during this period, and the gonad index (GI) was measured at the conclusion of the experiment. The sea urchins in the two lowest stocking density groups had 100% survival after 380 days in contrast to the highest stocking density group, which only had 67% survival at the conclusion of the experiment. Somatic growth was significantly higher in the lowest density group than in the medium density group, and this in turn was significantly higher than in the high-density group. The injury occurrence was highest in the high-density group (20%), lower in the medium group (7%), and there were no injuries observed (0%) in the low density groups. There were no significant differences in GI between the groups at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, the present study showed that stocking density has significant effects on somatic growth and survival of juvenile green sea urchin, S. droebachiensis and should be taken into consideration when designing sea urchin holding systems.     

养殖密度对克氏原螯虾幼虾生长、消化酶活力和生理生化指标的影响

以体质量(0.015±0.004)g克氏原螯虾幼虾为研究对象,研究了50、100、300、600、900尾/m25种养殖密度对克氏原螯虾幼虾生长、消化酶活力和生理生化指标的影响,实验周期为30 d。结果显示,克氏原螯虾幼虾的终末体质量随着养殖密度的增大而减小。胃蛋白酶、类胰蛋白酶和淀粉酶活力随着养殖密度的增大表现出减小趋势,纤维素酶和脂肪酶活力在5种养殖密度下变化规律不显著(P>0.05)。克氏原螯虾幼虾体内水分含量在5种养殖密度下差异较小(P>0.05);粗蛋白含量随养殖密度的升高呈增高趋势,由54.02%增高至60.75%(P<0.05);粗脂肪含量不断减少(P<0.05),由26.19%减少至19.19%(P<0.05)。随着养殖密度的增大,克氏原螯虾幼虾肌肉葡萄糖的含量呈下降趋势(P<0.05),甘油三酯、总蛋白、尿素氮和胆固醇含量呈不断增多趋势(P<0.05)。克氏原螯虾幼虾肝胰腺葡萄糖、甘油三酯、总蛋白和尿素氮含量随着养殖密度的增大呈不断增多趋势。结果表明,高密度养殖对克氏原螯虾幼虾生长和消化酶活力具有一定负面影响,体内蛋白、脂肪、葡萄糖和尿素氮等物质的含量也随着养殖密度的增大而发生变化。     

饲料中蛋白质含量及养殖密度对红鳍东方鲀幼鱼生长性能、氮排泄及相关生化指标的影响

本实验以平均初始体重为15.60 g的红鳍东方鲀(Takifugu rubripes)幼鱼为研究对象,研究饲料中蛋白含量及养殖密度对红鳍东方鲀幼鱼生长性能、氮排泄及相关生理生化指标的影响。设计两因素三水平(2×3)实验,配制3种不同蛋白梯度(38.87%、45.55%和51.00%,干重)的等脂实验饲料,设置3个密度梯度为1.53 kg/m^3(0.196 m3体积的实验桶,每桶20尾鱼)、2.30 kg/m^3(每桶30尾鱼)和3.06 kg/m^3(每桶40尾鱼)。每组饲料设3个重复,养殖实验为期56 d,在室内流水系统内进行。结果显示,增重率在高、中蛋白组显著高于低蛋白组(P<0.05),但当饲料蛋白含量一定时,养殖密度对增重率没有显著性影响。饲料蛋白含量和养殖密度对鱼体常规成分没有显著性影响。当饲料蛋白一定时,高密度组的血清总蛋白和胆固醇含量显著高于中密度组(P<0.05)。血清总蛋白含量在低蛋白组显著高于中蛋白组(P<0.05)。血清碱性磷酸酶含量在低蛋白组显著高于高蛋白组(P<0.05)。饲料蛋白含量和养殖密度对红鳍东方鲀幼鱼的生长、氨氮排泄没有显著性交互作用。静水投喂3 h后,氨氮排泄率在高密度组显著高于低密度组(P<0.05)。研究表明,45.55%饲料蛋白质含量已经能够满足红鳍东方鲀幼鱼正常生长的需求。饲料蛋白含量和养殖密度对红鳍东方鲀幼鱼的生长性能和氨氮排泄没有显著性交互作用。