Artificial reproduction of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae Guilding, 1828 in Colombian Caribbean

Abstract

In order to validate and optimize the protocol used for the spawning induction and fertilization of the  mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae in Colombia, the reproductive cycle of natural populations from  the Ciénaga de Mallorquín, was examined. Two experiments of induced reproduction were performed. In  the first one, the effect of two spawning induction techniques (“Colombian” and “Cuban”) were compared  based on the spawning response time, the fecundity and the percentages of spawned organisms. In the second  experiment, the influence of two fertilization systems (“grouping” and “individual”) was evaluated, in terms  of the percentages of oocyte fertilization and larvae D as well as larval growth and survival. Populations studied  xhibited a semiannual reproductive cycle, the highest proportion of organisms in mature sexual state  were obtained between June and July, coinciding with the beginning of the rainy season. The  ercentage  of spawned organisms was significantly higher using the Colombian spawning induction technique. The  spawning response time was lesser in animals induced by the Colombian technique and the fecundity was  not affected by the spawning inductor. Higher values of oocyte fertilization and larval growth were obtained  with the grouping system of fertilization. Nevertheless, embryonic and larval survival values were similar  for both treatments. In conclusion, the induced reproduction of C. rhizophorae populations from Ciénaga  de Mallorquín, could carried out during rainy season (between april and september), using the Colombian  spawning induction technique and the grouping system of fertilization. However it is necessary to improve  the incubation techniques and larval culture in order to increase survival and growth values.