DAO 59:119-123 (2004)  -  doi:10.3354/dao059119

ABSTRACT: The effect of increasing concentrations of Vibrio alginolyticus on survival of Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae was studied in a 48 h static bioassay in 1 l glass bottles. Five bacterial densities were tested ranging from 10² to 10⁶ bacteria ml^-1. Larval survival and normality (veliger larvae with the typical D-shape) were evaluated after 48 h. An inverse relationship between bacterial concentration and larval survival and normality was observed. In spite of high larval survival (79%) under conditions of high bacterial density (10⁵ bacteria ml^-1), the percent of normal larvae was 11%. Besides an irregular shape, abnormal larvae also presented velum reduction. Results from this study suggest that concentrations of V. alginolyticus lower than 10³ bacteria ml^-1 should be maintained during M. galloprovincialis larval culture.

KEY WORDS: Mussels · Mytilus · Pathogenicity · Vibriosis · Mollusks · Vibrio alginolyticus