Effect of temperature on the scope for growth in juvenile scallops Argopecten purpuratus (Lamark, 1819)

Theeffect of temperature on scope for growth was determined in juveniles of thenorthern scallop Argopecten purpuratus (Lamarck, 1819).This economically important species, has been introduced into the south ofChilegiven that large-scale cultivation within the natural distribution zone islimited. Nevertheless, the lower water temperatures that exist in the southcould restrict the growth rate. No difference in the scope for growth wasdetected in specimens kept at 10 ± 1 °C and 18 ±1 °C and fed with a mixed diet 1:1 of Chaetocerosgracilis and Tetraselmis suecica. Temperaturedid not affect the quantity of energy derived from food ingested, but energyloss through respiration, faeces and excretion was greater at 10 ± 1°C than at 18 ± 1 °C. The resultsindicate that the growth rates of A. purpuratus aremaintained between 10 ± 1 °C and 18 ± 1°C, which would favour large-scale cultivation over a widelatitudinal range.