Growth and allometry of the larval shell of the Brazilian oyster Crassostrea brasiliana (Lamarck, 1819) (Bivalvia : Ostreidae)

The Brazilian oyster Crassostrea brasiliana (Lamarck, 1819) is a dominant e stuarine benthic species of the Parana littoral (Southern Brazil) and an im portant economic fisheries resource. In this paper we describe its larval c ycle, from fertilization to metamorphosis, in controlled conditions of temp erature, food and water quality. Growth rates and allometry of growth were calculated. The larval development is typical of bivalve species (blastula, gastrula, trochophore, D-veliger, umboveliger, pediveliger), with fast-gro wing larvae completing an entire cycle in 30 days at 25 degreesC and salini ty of 28 parts per thousand. Morphology of the larval shell is discussed an d a description of useful features for identification in plankton samples i s presented.