Halotolerance, upper thermotolerance, and optimum temperature for growth of the penshell Atrina Maura (Sowerby, 1835) (Bivalvia: Pinnidae)

Halotolerance, upper thermotolerance and optimum temperature for growth was investigated in juvenile penshell (Atrina maura). Halotolerance and thermotolerance were determined measuring LD₅₀-96h within the salinity and temperature ranges of 15-50‰ and 19-35°C. Optimum temperature for growth was measured estimating scope for activity, ingestion, and clearance rates at 16, 19, 25, and 29°C. Growth rates were also measured over 42 days at the same temperatures. Results indicate that salinity LD₅₀-96h ranged from 16‰ to more than 50‰, and the upper temperature LD₅₀-96h was 33.2°C. Scope for activity, ingestion, clearance, and growth rates were highest at 29°C indicating that optimum temperature in penshell juveniles is 29 °C or higher. Because of the wide halotolerance range and the high thermotolerance and optimum temperature, the penshell is a good candidate for aquaculture in subtropical and tropical areas.