Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

The rate of growth of spat and yearlings of the pearl oyster Pinctada radiata (Leach) of Bahrain waters.

Volume 35 Issue 1&2

K. Nagappan Nayar and Mohammed AL-Rumaidh

Abstract

Two batches of pearl oyster spat were collected from one of the offshore pearl banks on Ifth November 1987 and 1st December 1987 and their linear msasurements were recorded. They were put in two separate cages and reared suspending the cages at No. 3 Beacon. Periodical measurements were recorded of the spat and their rate of growth was studieci. This preliminary study has indicated that the spat grows to a length of about 45 mm within one year and 70 mm approximately in 2 years. Rate of growth appears to be slightly faster in Bahrain waters, compared to the observations made in India and Japan. Although the data have been analysed mainly on dorso-ventral measurements, the average growth in width, hinge length and thickness have also been given. The temperature', salinity and pH of the waters of the pearl banks during the period of observation have been recorded.

Date : 31-10-1993