Monitoring growth of oyster (Crassostrea iredalei) using modified tray hanging method in Bacoor, Cavite

Monitoring the growth of Crassostea iredalei (talaba) in Bacoor, Cavite was conducted from July 1996 to January 1997 using a modified tray hanging method. Natural inoculation was done because of abundant spats in the area. The main factors responsible for the remarkable growth of oyster culture include temperature that ranges from 28 degrees celsius to 30 degrees celsius, a value of 21 ppt. to 25 ppt. of the water salinity and a brackish water which is acidic as its pH level with a value of 7.0 to 6.5 Water and soil nutrients also enhances growth rate, like the presence of calcium which helps oyster shells to be firm and hard and the dissolved oxygen used by oyster to survive in aquatic life. September shows the highest growth rate of 74% in length and 60% in width while December gives the lowest growth rate of 17% and 14% in terms of length and width respectively. Thus, a marketable oyster size of 6.82 cm in length and 3.92 cm in width was obtained.