One of the main problems in laboratories of oyster seed production occurs in the stage of settlement or fixation and metamorphosis of the larvae. The organisms develop drastic morphological and physiological changes at this stage, exposing them to attack by pathogenic microorganisms. Numerous studies indicate that before larval settlement to a substrate, they require bacteria to stimulate and induce the process. In this study, Japanese oyster (Crassostrea gigas) larvae were fed with combinations of microalgae and bacteria previously selected for their probiotic potential; their impact on survival, growth, and settlement was evaluated. Larvae D of 12 days old were provided by a private company and transported to the laboratory under controlled conditions. Probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum 69Cr, L. fermentum 101Cc, and L. casei 43Cg were reactivated on MRS and applied at a concentration of 1×104 CFU mL-1. Microalgae Isochrysis galbana and Chaetoceros calcitrans were grown in F2 medium and supplied at a concentration of 3×104 cells mL-1. Results showed, in all treatments, a survival range of 39-53%, growth of 300-310 μm, and 34-56.5% settlement. However, the best bacteria combined with I. galbana and C. calcitrans was L. plantarum 69Cr with a 54% survival, 310 μm growth, and 56.5% settlement. It is concluded that the combination of L. plantarum 69Cr with I. galbana and C. calcitrans has the potential to be used in the production of Japanese oyster larvae.
Lactobacillus strains isolated from oysters improve the production of Crassostrea gigas larvae
