Effects of three light intensities on the survival, growth performance and biochemical composition of two size giant clams Tridacna crocea in the Southern China Sea

Abstract Giant clams are able to grow in oligotrophic tropical marine environments with the aid of photosynthates from its symbiotic zooxanthellae. Therefore, light intensity affects the survival and growth of giant clams, and is one of the most important environmental factors in giant clam cultures. In this study, two size classes of Tridacna crocea (small: ~50 mm shell length, large: ~85 mm shell length) were cultured at three light intensities (5000, 10,000, and 15,000 lx) for 16 weeks, to evaluate the effects of light intensity on the survival, growth performance and biochemical composition of different size clams. T. crocea under 15,000 lx light intensity showed a significantly higher survival rate and relative growth rate (RGR) (P