Reproductive and Larval Performance of the Pen ShellAtrina maurain Relation to the Origin and Condition of Broodstock

The pen shell Atrina maura has economic importance in northwestern Mexico, but limitations to rear larvae in hatcheries increased the interest of scientists and producers to study aspects of reproduction and larval cultivation. Reproductive and larval performances of the species were studied in relation to the origin (depth, phases of tidal cycle) and gross condition of broodstock. The results were correlated to variations in water temperature and concentration of chlorophyll a. Tide influenced spawning response, which was between 40% and 100% successful in broodstock collected during rising and falling tides and only 10% at high or low tides (this percentage corresponds tomales only). The number and size of released and fertilized eggs and the survival of larvae were higher in pen shells collected at 5–8 m depth, compared with those collected at less than 1m. The number and size of released and fertilized eggs, number of veliger larvae, and the survival and growth rate of larvae were significant...