On the growth of the pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata in commercial farm at Krusadai island

Abstract

Growth on two different size groups of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata reared in farm at Krusadai Island was studied for the period from October 1985 to October 1986. Good growth was observed from October '1985 to January 1986 and poor growth wan recorded from March 1985 to May 1986 in both the size groups. The growth increment was correlated with rain fall and temperature parameters. Oysters cultured in permanent piling structures at a depth of 4 m, exhibited faster rate of growth compared to the oysters in raft culture at the same depth In velon screen stitched box cages the growth rate of oysters of 20 mm and above was less compared to those reared in cages without velon screen. The stocking density of oysters in a cage end the mortality were found to be directly proportional.