Bottom culture of the tropical scallop Lyropecten (Nodipecten) nodosus (L.) in the Golfo de Cariaco, Venezuela

Growth and survival of scallop Lyropecten nodosus were studied from July to November 1997 using three bottom culture methods, (1) in corrals, (2) in p ockets, and (3) in anchored sleeves. All size parameters studied (dry weigh t of the muscle, gonad, remaining tissues and shell, and shell length) show ed significant differences due to culture method. The body components were larger for scallops in corrals than for those in pockets and greater for th ose in pockets than in sleeves. In contrast, survival did not vary with cul ture method. Tissue components increased rapidly during the first 2 months, when temperatures were lower and phytoplankton abundant (upwelling and tra nsition periods). Subsequently values leveled off, or in some cases (muscle ) decreased, and this coincided with stratification of the water column and associated high temperatures and scarce food resources (and possible energ etic demands for gonadal development). In contrast, shell weight and length showed no apparent affect of the environmental changes. The increased grow th in the corrals was possibly because the corral walls permitted the scall ops to raise themselves off the bottom which could have provided greater ac cess to food resources (suspended particles), or to better quality food.