Archives of Current Research International

This study examined the effects of different feed types on the growth and visual nacre development of the freshwater mussel Lamellidens marginalis, a species relevant to pearl culture and water filtration. Four feeding regimes comprising combinations of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis and zooplankton were evaluated. The mussels were maintained under controlled conditions for six months, and shell dimensions, body weight, survival and physiological condition were assessed at 30-day intervals. Visual nacre grading was conducted at the end of the experiment. Growth and survival differed among the feeding regimes. Mussels receiving the mixed diet of zooplankton, Chlorella and Spirulina showed the greatest increases in shell dimensions and body weight. Group 4 (zooplankton + Chlorella + Spirulina) recorded the highest survival rate of 91%, followed by Group 1 (84%) and Groups 2 and 3 (83% each). Diets containing both microalgae and zooplankton were associated with better growth than the simpler feeding regimes. The mixed diet also produced the highest visual nacre grading score. These findings indicate that dietary diversity may support growth, survival and visual nacre-related performance in L. marginalis under controlled culture conditions. However, interpretation should remain cautious because initial body weights differed among groups, independent aquarium replication was not clearly reported and nacre development was assessed visually rather than quantitatively.