Malacological Society of Australasia

Molluscan Research

Volume 18, Issue 2 (Australasian Abalone): 31 October 1997. Edited by S.A. Shepherd, P.E.McShane and F.E.Wells

Early juvenile growth of the abalone Haliotis australis in culture.

Graeme A. Moss

National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd
PO Box 14-901 Kilbirnie, Wellington, New Zealand

Experimentally cultured juvenile Haliotis australis were fed different diets and their growth was measured. For juveniles between 3 and 6 mm in length the best growth was achieved on diatoms but macroalgal and artificial diets were also suitable for sustaining growth. The size at which the diet should be changed from microalgae to macroalgae was determined as 7 mm. Two batched of juveniles grown in a V-shaped tank rearing system averaged 15.9 +/- 0.53 and 17.5 +/- 0.69 mm in length after 13 and 12 months respectively. Methods to enhance the early juvenile growth are discussed.

pp. 153-159.