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Title: METHODS FOR LABORATORY CULTURE AND FIELD CAGING OF FRESHWATER MUSSELS.


1
METHODS FOR LABORATORY CULTURE AND FIELD CAGING
OF FRESHWATER MUSSELS.
M. Chris Barnhart, Biology Department, Missouri
State University, Springfield, MO USA
The bucket systems are fed commercial marine
algae suspensions (Reed Mariculture) at
controlled rates via computer-controlled
peristaltic pumps. Water is changed weekly.
High mussel densities can be maintained.
We have propagated mussels at Missouri State
University since 1999 for research and for
population restoration. We have developed
several methods that facilitate host evaluation,
captive propagation, handling, and grow-out. 
Details are available upon request.
1) AHAB systems. For host evaluation,
commercially available multi-unit aquarium
systems (Aquatic Habitats, Inc) were modified
with gutters and recovery filters to enable daily
recovery of transformed juveniles from individual
host fish without the labor-intensive step of
siphoning aquaria. 
4)  Mussel silo This portable cage system was
developed for deployment of small groups of
juvenile mussels in rivers.  Each silo consists
of a concrete hemisphere weighing approximately
10 kg and containing a 5-cm diameter inner
chamber with screen ends.  Water flow over the
hemisphere creates a Bernoulli effect that draws
water through the chamber.  Silos must be used on
coarse substrate so that water can enter from
underneath. Silos are stable during spates.
They permit excellent growth in suitable
conditions, and are useful for field bioassays.
2) Recirculating propagation systems (RPS) were
developed for transformation of glochidia on
groups of hundreds of host fish.  Each RPS
incorporates paired 400-gallon conical-bottom
tanks. A shared sump is equipped with a
biofilter and with cod-end nets for recovery of
juvenile mussels. 
2 months growth in mussel silo
5)  Mussel bunker A larger, less portable cage
system used for grow-out of juvenile mussels in
rivers.  Two concrete pads support a platform
that holds 11-cm diameter chambers.  A perforated
hood covers the chambers. Water flow over the
hood creates a Bernoulli effect and draws water
through the chambers.  
3) Bucket rearing system. These are compact
recirculating systems for captive grow-out of
early juveniles.  Mussels are held in 2-part
screen-bounded chambers (upper left) that are
mounted in holes in the bottom of the upper
bucket (center and upper right). Nesting the
buckets creates upper and lower compartments
(lower left). A small submersible pump moves
water from the lower to the upper compartment and
the water returns through the chambers.
 (Barnhart 2006. Aquaculture 254227-233.)
Growout in our laboratory recirculating systems
is practical up to lengths of about 5 mm, which
can often be achieved in a few months. At that
size, growth on algal diets slows. Rapid growth
is reinstated by moving the mussels to a natural
food supply by caging in rivers or ponds. Over
the summer, some species can reach 4 inches
length within 6 months (Potamilus alatus at
right).
Thanks to Frankie Thielen for the opportunity to
present this poster, in absentia. For more
information contact ChrisBarnhart_at_MissouriState.ed
u, or visit http//unionid.missouristate.edu
and http//biology.missouristate.edu
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