Influence of temperature on the physiology of growth in Ruditapes decussatus (L.) larvae

Larvae of the butterfish clam Ruditapes decussatus obtained of a wild stock were reared to 10, 16, 22 and 28ºC from D-larval stage to metamorphosis. Growth in lenght and weight in addition to clearance and ingestion rates were studied. Growth efficiencies were calculated from each temperature. The effect of the temperatura on feeding rates was specially noticeable during the first few days of culture. Gross growth efficiency ranged between 33 and 78%, increasing with increased temperatura and decreasing with larval development