Halotolerance, upper thermotolerance, and optimum temperature for growth of the penshell Atrina maura (Sowerby, 1835) (Bivalvia : Pinnidae)

Halotolerance, upper thermotolerance, and optimum temperature for growth wa s investigated in juvenile penshell (Atrina maura). Halotolerance and therm otolerance were determined measuring LD50-96h within the salinity and tempe rature ranges of 15-50 parts per thousand and 19-35 degreesC. Optimum tempe rature for growth wa, measured estimating scope for activity, ingestion, an d clearance rates at 16, 19, 25, and 29 degreesC. Growth rates were also me asured over 42 days at the same temperatures. Results indicate that salinit y LD50-96h ranged from 16 parts per thousand to more than 50 parts per thou sand, and the upper temperature LD50-96h was 33.2 degreesC. Scope for activ ity, ingestion, clearance, and growth rates were highest at 29 degreesC ind icating that optimum temperature in penshell juveniles is 29 degreesC or hi gher. Because of the wide halotolerance range and the high thermotolerance and optimum temperature, the penshell is a good candidate for aquaculture i n subtropical and tropical areas.