In the eastern tropical Pacific, interest in bivalve aquaculture has increased over time. Several emerging native species have a high consumption culture and have been incorporated as potential species for diversification, for example: Striostrea prismatica, Nodipecten subnodosus, Atrina maura, Argopecten ventricosus, Megapitaria squalida, Larkinia grandis and Anadara tuberculosa. Despite this, only in Ecuador is one of the few processes aimed at spat production and field cultivation for this last species documented. Anadara tuberculosa, commonly known as the mangrove cockle, mangrove clam, piangua, or black clam, inhabits the mangroves of the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Historically, this species has been widely exploited by local fishing communities, demonstrating its cultural and economic importance. In Ecuador, the exploitation and commercialization of A. tuberculosa provides employment to more than 8,000 people and contributes USD 15 million annually to the gross domestic product (GDP). This situation has generated growing interest in its production through aquaculture.
Laboratory seed production has been underway for over five years at the National Center for Aquaculture and Marine Research (CENAIM). This has allowed for the description of the chronology of early development (Fig. 1), the evaluation of microalgae ingestion and digestion, the optimization of settlement and metamorphosis, and the evaluation of field cultivation (Fig. 2). Embryonic development is completed 22 hours post-fertilization, after which larval culture begins with the veliger "D" larva and continues for 15 days until the pediveliger stage is reached. The settlement and metamorphosis stages are completed 15 days later, when the first translucent spat appear.
Currently, pilot-scale aquaculture is being carried out in estuarine-influenced areas along almost the entire Ecuadorian coast. The time to reach the minimum harvest size (45 mm) has been optimized based on time, ranging from 12 to 24 months depending on the farming site. These experiences provide evidence of the viability of A. tuberculosa farming in Ecuador. Additionally, these findings offer valuable information for diversifying aquaculture and initiating restoration processes that could even serve as a model for other countries in the region.