Investigating Dissolved Glucose as an Alternative Nutrient Source for Bivalve Larvae.
Andy Jordan1, Kim Thompson2, Andrew Jeffs1,3
1Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Aquaculture Nutrition
|December 1, 2025
Summary
Dissolved glucose can partially replace live microalgae in bivalve hatchery diets. This study found that substituting microalgae with glucose for 2 hours daily did not negatively impact Greenshell™ mussel larval performance or growth.
Area of Science:
- Aquaculture
- Marine Biology
- Bivalve Aquaculture
Background:
- Live microalgae production is a significant operational cost in bivalve hatcheries.
- Microalgae are the primary food source for bivalve larvae during rearing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if dissolved glucose can reduce reliance on live microalgae as a sole feed input for Greenshell™ mussel larvae.
- To assess the impact of glucose supplementation on bivalve larval performance and growth.
Main Methods:
- Larvae of Greenshell™ mussels (Perna canaliculus) were reared to Day 10 post-fertilisation.
- Two feeding treatments were applied: control (live microalgae only) and glucose treatment (live microalgae with a daily 2-hour interruption for glucose exposure).
- Growth, microalgae consumption, settlement success, and stable isotope composition were assessed.
Main Results:
- Substituting microalgae with glucose for 2 hours daily did not alter larval performance or isotopic composition.
- An estimated 8.3% of live feed was substituted with glucose without negative effects.
- Larval growth, settlement success, and isotopic signatures remained comparable between control and glucose-treated groups.
Conclusions:
- Dissolved glucose can be used as a partial feed substitute in bivalve larval rearing without compromising performance.
- This approach offers a potential strategy to reduce operational costs in bivalve hatcheries.
- Further research is warranted to optimize glucose delivery and assess long-term effects.
