Effect of different ions on larval metamorphosis of the musselMytilus galloprovincialis

Metamorphic responses of pediveliger larvae of Mytilus galloprovincialis to different ions were investigated through a series of bioassays. Effects of tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) on inductive effects of these above ions were also investigated. Excess ions including Li+, Cs+, Rb+ and Ca2+ induced larval metamorphosis at 10−3 M to 5 × 10−2 M in 24-h exposure assays. In continuous exposure assays, only excess Ca2+ showed inductive activity and induced 25% metamorphosis at 5 × 10−2 M. Larval responses to Li+ and Rb+were inhibited by TEA, while induction of metamorphosis by Cs+and Ca2+ was independent of the presence of TEA. Thus, these ions used can be useful inducers of larval metamorphosis for application in the aquaculture industry. The finding provides new insights on the biochemical mechanism controlling larval metamorphosis in this species.