Artificial breeding of juveniles of Mactra antiquata

Abstract:

Artificial breeding juveniles of Mactra antiquata with an average shell length of 24.0 mm and individual weight of 2.0 g were reared in cement tanks. Adopting the measures of 150% water replacement per day and tank sediment flushing and replacement at regular intervals, after 177 days rearing, the shellfish grew to an average length of 40.0 nun and average weight of 9.8 g, meeting the requirement of post juvenile aquaculture. The mean shell length growth rate was 0.09 mm/d, and weight growth rate was 0.04 g/d. The survival rate was 68 % , higher than that of traditional rearing in sand pool or in net cage in intertidal zone.