Enhancing oocyte maturation and fertilisation in the black-foot limpet Patella candei d′Orbigny, 1840 (Patellidae, Mollusca)

Limpet species are subjected to pressures of high exploitation. In the Madeira Archipelago (Portugal), limpes an economic and traditional fishing resource whose exploitation is regulated, reduce impact over native populations. The effectiveness NaOH-alkalinized seawater baths enhance artificial maturation Patella candei (D′orbigny, 1840) oocytes fertilisation success in laboratory has been studied. First, optimal combinations pH activation time obtain active were tested. Then, viability those was studied a three factorial assay (pH x time). Finally, results obtained previous assays cross tested find relationship between both. for methodology improvement. Results showed that conditions production larvae 9.5, 2 3 h 24:00 h, ratio development 0.65 0.75. refrigeration could help maintain oocyte time, but further research required. This study establishes foundational step towards larval biology laboratory, which required understand ecological requirements early life stages this promote aquaculture production.