Testing the procedures for rearing the Striped venus clam, Chamelea gallina in captivity

The procedures for rearing the striped Venus clam, Chamelea gallina, in captivity were assessed in this study using larval growth rate, survival rate and fertilization success as indices. Previous studies have been carried out by Joaquim et al., 2018 testing the potential of the Striped Venus clam and surf clam for shellfish aquaculture. The striped venus Chamelea gallina clams support important fisheries in Europe. These fisheries have been affected by interannual fluctuations in stock abundance and recruitment failures threatening its fishery's biological and economic sustainability. This study aimed to provide and improve the rearing procedures of the Striped Venus clam from larvae to the spat stages. A distinct procedure missing from previous study carried out was the conditioning procedures employed in this study. However, the conditioning period introduced during this study effectively acclimatized the clam's broodstock before breeding. The clam specimens were fed on mixed live microalgae (Isochrysis sp., Tetraselmis sp., and Chaetoceros sp) during the conditioning period according to their body weight. This study aimed to improve the knowledge of the captive breeding and reproductive cycle of this species from the Mediterranean Sea (Gandia) to contribute to the establishment of management measures and to assess its potential for aquaculture. The effect of increased temperature and high ration of food to induce spawning was also studied during the conditioning period. Thermal stimulation was the best method employed in the collection of gametes from both male and female clams used in fertilization, thus rearing the larvae till the Juvenile stages. The clams didn't spawn naturally but spawned within the alternating temperatures of 27oC and 29oC during the experimental period. The larvae from the successful fertilization were reared until the spat stages with a mixed diet of Isochrysis sp., Tetraselmis sp., and Chaetoceros sp. at varying rates according to each stage of development and body weights. The captive breeding of this species was possible, however, the results of this study showed that C. gallina could be a good potential for aquaculture as it can be bred under captive and controlled conditions.