Susceptibility of gametes and embryos of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, to Karenia brevis and its toxins

摘要: Abstract The bivalve mollusc, Crassostrea virginica, is frequently exposed to blooms of Karenia brevis along the west coast Florida during periods spawning and early larval development. A continuous 4-day exposure gametes 2–4 cell stage embryos C. virginica whole-cell culture filtrate K. brevis at 500 5000 cells mL −1 , was followed by a ‘recovery’ period. Larval growth, percent normal, abnormal dead larvae, presence food in gut were measured throughout Results suggest that negative effects mainly occur embryogenesis Damage feeding apparatus/gut may embryonic development or toxins act as deterrent on non-toxic algae. Following 2-h in vitro gametes, differences oocyte sperm parameters investigated using flow cytometry. reduced viability treatment suggests involvement extracellular brevetoxins (PbTx) perhaps other harmful, uncharacterized compounds associated with membrane. cumulative viability, fertilization success, survival, near-annual could cause significant bottlenecks oyster recruitment.