Facultative planktotrophy in larvae of the purple mussel Perumytilus purpuratus

• Published in: Invertebrate reproduction & development Vol. 65; no. 4; pp. 307 - 316
• Main Authors: Larrea-Meza, Sebastián, Campos, Bernardita, I. Brown, Donald
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 02.10.2021
• Subjects: bivalvia; developmental pattern; mytilidae; ontogeny; Reproduction
• ISSN: 0792-4259; 2157-0272
• DOI: 10.1080/07924259.2021.1998238

The developmental pattern in the mid-intertidal mussel Perumytilus purpuratus was investigated through laboratory cultures. Larval development, growth, survival rate, and time to reach the post-larval stage were determined using triplicated feeding/non-feeding treatments in artificial seawater at 18.2 ± 0.5°C. Development of the larval digestive system was examined histologically. We found that P. purpuratus have ova (121.1 ± 2.7 μm diameter) with a jelly coating, the digestive system develops in the trochophore, the veliger shell has a large prodissoconch-1 and a small prodissoconch-2, the larval period lasted between 10 and 14 days, and larvae could reach metamorphosis without the presence of particulate food. Unlike most of the mytilid species with pelagic larvae, a facultative planktotrophic development is evident in this species. This developmental pattern could be favourable in unstable and changing environments such as rocky shores.