Predation of oyster larvae by Aurelia aurita in a Norwegian oyster pond

1986

This report is not to be cited without prior reference to the authors

In the norwegian oyster spatting ponds several factors may influence

the spat production. During a basic, general study in a pond in

1983-84, Aurelia aurita was demonstrated to be a heavy predator on

pelagic oyster larvae, reducing the spat production to zero. The

medusae occurred at a density of up to 125 ind. pr. m 3. Body areas

of individual medusae (x) and the number of oyster larvae in a medusa

(y), followed the linear relationship y = 0.08X-0,01. The size

of oyster larvae in plankton, in the digestive system of the medusae,

or in sediment traps never exceeded 200 ll m, suggesting that

the larvae lived for maximum 3 days before they were eaten.

ICES

ICES CM Documents;1986/F:21