The Pearl Oyster

Contrary to a generally held view that pearls are found by chance in oysters, almost all are now produced from farms. This book is a comprehensive treatment of all aspects of the biology of pearl oysters, their anatomy, reproduction, genetics, diseases, etc. It considers how they are farmed from spawning and culturing larvae in hatcheries to adults in the ocean; how various environmental factors, including pollution affect them; and how modern techniques are successfully producing large numbers of cultured pearls. This is the ultimate reference source on pearl oysters and the culture of pearls, written and edited by a number of scientists who are world experts in their fields.

•Comprehensive treatment of pearl oyster biology and pearl culture
•Written by the top world authorities
•Highly illustrated and figured
•Of practical relevance to a broad readership, from professional biologists to those involved in the practicalities and practice of pearl production

Introduction; Taxonomy and phylogeny, Soft tissue anatomy; shell, structure and biomineralisation,; Feeding and metabolism, Reproduction development and growth; Environmental influences, Pearl oyster culture; Pearl production; Exploitation and culture of major commercial species; The pearl market; Disease and predation; Population genetics and stock improvement; Economics of pearl farming; Environmental impacts of pearl farming; Biofouling; Future development