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1 December 2016 Embryonic and Larval Development of the Giant Clam Tridacna noae (Röding, 1798) (Cardiidae: Tridacninae)
Paul C. Southgate, Richard D. Braley, Thane A. Militz
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Abstract

This paper reports on embryonic and larval development of the giant clam Tridacna noae. Spawning was induced by serotonin injection into the gonad. Unfertilized eggs had a mean (±SE) diameter of 101.14 ± 0.47 µm and spermatozoa heads were 8.92 ± 0.09 µmlong. Embryonic development had progressed to the 8-cell and 16-cell stages by 3 h postfertilization and to the 32-cell stage by 4 h postfertilization. Rotating gastrulae accounted for 82% of developing embryos at 9 h postfertilization. Trochophore larvae accounted for 54% of embryos at 16 h postfertilization, and 98% of larvae at 20 h postfertilization. Straighthinged (D-stage) veligers comprised 74% of developing larvae at 22 h postfertilization with mean (±SE) anteroposterior measurement (APM) of 146.32 ± 0.58 µm, dorsoventral measurement (DVM) of 118.12 ± 0.74 µm, and hinge length of 77.46 ± 0.73 µmat 24 h postfertilization. At 96 h postfertilization, 74% of veligers had settled but had retained the velum without showing development of the foot and, by 120 h postfertilization, 78% of settled veligers had become pediveligers with a probing foot. The mean (±SE) APM of pediveligers at 144 h postfertilization was 176.50 ± 0.97 µm, DVM was 151.86 ± 1.01 µm, and hinge length was 63.50 ± 0.95 µm. Gills were first observed in settled individuals 11 days after fertilization, indicating completion of metamorphosis. The methods used in this study supported successful larval culture of T. noae and provide a basis for large-scale propagation of this species.

Paul C. Southgate, Richard D. Braley, and Thane A. Militz "Embryonic and Larval Development of the Giant Clam Tridacna noae (Röding, 1798) (Cardiidae: Tridacninae)," Journal of Shellfish Research 35(4), 777-783, (1 December 2016). https://doi.org/10.2983/035.035.0406
Published: 1 December 2016
KEYWORDS
embryology
giant clam Tridacna noae
larval development
Papua New Guinea
Tridacninae
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