THE PURPLE-HINGE ROCK SCALLOP: A NEW CANDIDATE FOR MARINE AQUACULTURE1

Studies on spawning and larval culture in the purple-hinge rock scallop (Hinnites multirugosus) are described together with information on growth of juveniles and adults. Gravid individuals were collected from field populations throughout most of the year. These produced viable eggs when induced to spawn in the laboratory. Larval development appeared normal over the range 8–18°C (optimal for culture, 14–18°C). Acceptable growth and survival were achieved on a mixed diet of Isochrysis, Monochrysis, Tetraselmis and Skeletonema. Metamorphosis began in larvae 200 μm in shell diameter (age, 3 weeks). Most rapidly growing post-larvae reached 1.8 mm at two months (15–18°C). Pre-cementing juveniles held in cages in Mission Bay, San Diego, averaged approximately 8 mm/mo during summer (18–22°C) and half that rate throughout the rest of the year (13–18°C). Individuals 1.5 to 3.0 cm in October, 1975, reached shell diameters of 5.0 to 7.5 cm one year later.