Culture experiments on the edible oyster Crassostera madrasensis in the Bheemunipatnam backwater

Studies on the possibilities of culture of edible oyster Crassostrea madrasensis in the Bheemunipatnam backwater were conducted during 1977-79. Spat collection experiments using different types, of spat collectors showed that empty oyster shells and close meshed plastic baskets were most efficient. Setting of spat on the spat collectors kept near the bottom was more than on those kept suspended off bottom. Spat fall was observed throughout the year with peaks in March and October. The oyster attained a size of about 8 cm during the first year. Low salinity during monsoon months appeared to retard growt