Towards the Control of the Reproduction of the Yellow Clam Amarilladesma mactroides (Reeve, 1854) in Captivity: Effects of Different Stimuli on the Spawning of Laboratory-Conditioned and Unconditioned Breeders

The effects of temperature manipulation, addition sperm solution, and exposure to alkalized pH and/or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as possible spawning inducers in laboratory-conditioned unconditioned adults the yellow clam (Amarilladesma mactroides) were evaluated. In three trials, clams for 14 days exposed thermal shocks (from 20 °C 23–29 °C), while from additional trials not conditioned but acclimatized 45 min before induction. Although conditioning advanced gonad maturity increased condition factor, none treatments triggered these first trials. Histological analysis indicated that gonads mature. Alternatively, unfertilized fertilized eggs, larvae observed after induced spawn. an stage maturity. Exposure shocks, alone or combination with solution H2O2, resulted spawning. Clams H2O2 kept their valves closed had a high mortality rate. Temperature manipulation is most promising stimulus induce A. mactroides. As success depends on gonadal development at time capture wild, period longer than may be necessary.