title: Effect of Salinity on Embryo and Larval Development of OysterCrassostrea iredalei.
abstract: The effects of salinity on the embryonic and larvae stage ofCrassostrea iredaleiwere investigated. Fertilised eggs and one day old D-larvae were subjected to salinities ranging from 0 to 30 ppt at temperature of 30±2°C. At salinity lower than 10 ppt, 100% mortality was observed. For embryo development, the highest survival was observed at salinity 25 ppt with 80.9±2.2% survival with no significant difference compared to 15 and 30 ppt. Shell height and length were both greatest at salinity 30 ppt. Throughout the 11 days culture, the highest larval survival occurred at salinity 15 ppt with no significant difference compared to all other salinities except 10 ppt. Larval shell sizes showed no significant differences between salinities, except for 10 ppt. Optimum culture condition for larvae growth are salinities ranging from 15 to 30 ppt whereby the larval of this species can tolerate wider range of salinity compared to other oyster species and thus, making it a competitive species to be cultured.
authors.affiliation: Marine Science Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Amelia Ng Phei
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Fang
authors.affiliation: Marine Science Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Teh Chiew
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Peng
authors.affiliation: Marine Science Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Poi Khoy
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Yen
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Maritime Studies and Marine Science, University Terengganu Malaysia, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Zulfigar
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yasin
authors.affiliation: Marine Science Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Aileen Tan Shau
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Hwai
keywords: Development; Salinity; Survival; Tropical Oyster