Ribbed Mussel (Geukensia demissa) Aquaculture Techniques: Investigating an Alternative Diet

Ribbed mussels (Geukensia demissa) are understudied bivalves that play a critical role in US East Coast marshes. They are in high demand due to their ecological engineering applications, but aquaculture for the species is underdeveloped. Due to their ability to feed upon small particles, we hypothesized that Nannochloropsis oculata (Nanno), a small green microalgae with high lipid content, would be a beneficial supplement to the standard diet of Tisochrysis lutea (Tiso), improving survival and growth. We compared the results of feeding larval and juvenile ribbed mussels a controlled diet of 100% Tiso and an experimental diet of 2:1 Nanno:Tiso. Shell lengths of the two larval diets did not statistically differ at the termination of the diet, but the dataset’s linear regression slopes did. The shell lengths of the two juvenile diets did not statistically differ on the termination of the diets well as in their linear regression slopes. A frequency distribution of all shell lengths on the final day of the study suggested competition among the Nanno-mix mussels for the Tiso portion of the mixed diet. This pattern was not seen in the juvenile frequency distributions. There was no statistical difference in percent survival between the two larval diets. These results show that while larval ribbed mussels prefer Tiso, Nanno can be used as a viable “backup” diet. Ribbed mussel juveniles equally prefer Tiso and Nanno. The difference in preference suggests intraspecific niche partitioning, which outlines areas for further study into ribbed mussel population dynamics.

Presentation Preference: Poster

Primary Presenter: Emory Barrett, Rutgers University (emory.barrett@rutgers.edu)

Authors:

Sean Towers, Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory, Rutgers University  (sean.towers@rutgers.edu)

Michael Acquafredda, Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory, Rutgers University  (michael.acquafredda@rutgers.edu)