Larval rearing and spat production of the brown mussel Perna indica at Vizhinjam

The brown mussel Perna indica was spawned in the laboratory and larval rearing experiments were conducted. The larvae undergo early development and metamorphose into veliger. eyed stage, pediveliger and spat. Settlement commences between the 15th and the 20th day. Various stages from fertilized egg to w e t are described. Laboratory cultured phytoflagellates like lsochrysis galbana and Pavlova sp are given as food for larvae till settlement. Details of larval rearing spat settlement and post set growth ware studied and the results are given