Larval development of the Rock Oyster Saccostrea cucullata (von Born)

The development of artificially fertilised eggs of the rock oyster, Saccostrea cucullata (von Born) was studied in the laboratory. The morphological and behavioural characteristics of the developing larvae were observed. A mixed diet of single celled algae consisting of Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis gracilis was fed to the larvae. The larval developmental stages observed include trochophore, D-veliger, late veliger, umbone stage, pediveJiger and plantigrade