OConnor SJ, OConnor WA, Moltschaniwskyj N (2009) Chemically induced metamorphosis of hatchery reared flat oyster, Ostrea angasi, larvae by neuroactive catecholamines. Aquaculture Research 40 (14) 1567 - 1577.

Available online: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2109.2009.02203.x

Summary

Recent increased domestic demand coupled with potential export markets has seen a rise in farming of the native flat oyster, Ostrea angasi, in New South Wales. Low numbers and unreliable wild catch of the native flat oyster spat has resulted in the NSW flat oyster industry being reliant on hatchery produced spat. 

Flat oyster larvae have a planktonic stage (free swimming in the water column) for about 10 to 14 days. After this period larvae settle on a suitable surface and change from free swimming to oyster spat. This change from swimming to a bottom dwelling life style is called metamorphosis. In a hatchery, ground scallop shell is used for the spat to settle on and metamorphose, the resulting spat are called cultchless spat.  The use of ground scallop shell can cause problems in the hatchery. The need to produce cultchless spat prompted investigation of several catecholamines (hormones) to induce rapid metamorphosis in flat oyster larvae. 

In this study, larvae were treated with one of four different hormones to determine if any could induce metamorphosis of flat oyster larvae. Two were successful in producing cultchless flat oyster spat and these are recommended for routine commercial production.