In order for freshwater mussels to grow large enough to survive on their own, they have to be bred with a host species of fish.In deeper waters, fishermen can use special ropes to gather mussel spawn and allow them to grow undisturbed for a more abundant harvest.Regardless of how it's done, raising freshwater mussels requires quite a bit of specialized knowledge and equipment, so you may need the help of professionals for this task.
Step 1: Get a sample of embryo.
When female mussels reproduce, they release small clumps of fertilized egg larvae.If you want to farm freshwater mussels yourself, you'll have to get a fresh sample.You will be able to raise the mussels in a controlled environment.If they can help you find fresh mussels, contact your local Fish and Wildlife Services office.You can get a sample from the aquatic studies department at your university.The farming of freshwater mussels is related to regional efforts.Before you can raise mussels in captivity, you have to get permission from your local government.
Step 2: To test their viability, surround theglochidia with salt.
Place the samples on a clean, flat surface and sprinkle them with a few grains of table salt.Salt particles will be absorbed slowly by healthy glochidia.The larvae that aren't viable will close slowly or not at all.Don't expose any of them to the salt.Salt is used to mimic the chloride found in the blood of host fish that share rivers and stream with freshwater mussels.Until they reach maturity, Glochidia feed on this chloride.
Step 3: A freshwater tank or pen is required.
You can fill the tank with fresh, unchlorinated water by covering it with sand or silt from a nearby river or body of water.The tank should be large enough to hold a small number of fish.Rocks, moss, and algae are some of the natural features that can be incorporated.If your specimen tank resembles a riverbed, it will be more hospitable to grow mussels.
Step 4: The fish should be introduced to the tank with the mussels.
Along with the fish specimen sources from a regional body of water, release the viable glochidia into the water.The parasites will attach themselves to the gills of the fish, where they will live until they are large enough to survive on their own.The fish will find their way to the gills of the host fish when they attempt to eat the glochidia.Each species needs a different host in order to reproduce.If you want to find out which species of fish the mussels in your area naturally seek out, you should consult with a local wildlife expert.
Step 5: To reach maturity, wait for the mussels to mature.
The host fish may have the glochidia for days or weeks.They will sink to the bottom of the tank once they become large.They will burrow into the sandy floor and begin feeding on the organisms found there.freshwater mussels can be with a host fish for as long as 18 months.
Step 6: Allow the mussels to grow along the tank.
The development of the mussels can be monitored.Some of the largest freshwater mussels can reach lengths of up to 28 cm, and can weigh as much as 5 pounds.freshwater mussels feed on organic matter in their natural habitat.When raised in tanks or pens, it may be necessary to use seaweed to supplement their diet.
Step 7: You can use a few coils of rope.
The ropes are designed to catch the mussels that are floating in the water.They come in many different styles, including the Christmas tree, which has long bristles that provide extra surface area, and the Aquasteel, a dense braided rope that holds up to many seasons of submersion.You should shop around for a style of rope that works best for your operation.If you want to grow your own mussels, you only need a rope, a pole, and a platform.
Step 8: You can line the waters of your farming area with buoys.
Leaving 6–10 feet between each row will give you plenty of room to maneuver your boat.The buoy will be used to anchor the ropes so that they don't get swept away by the current.Depending on where you live, a special business permit may be required in order to deposit buoy or claim commercial waters for farming space.
Step 9: Attach the ropes to the buoy.
To join them together, run a thick steel cable from one buoy to the next.You will use small lines to connect each length of mussel rope to the main line so that they are suspended vertically beneath the surface of the water.If you have multiple ropes positioned side-by-side, it may be easier to hang them in straight lines.When you lower the ropes into the water, it is important that they are free of tangles or twists.The rope will hold more mussels if it is straight.
Step 10: Submerge the ropes in order to attract drifting mussels.
In order to have a place to grow in the wild, muls latch on to whatever objects they come across underwater.Fishing nets or harvesting by hand are more difficult to do than using smelly ropes.You will be able to easily pull and inspect the ropes once they are in place.
Step 11: Allow the mussels to grow to a certain size.
The small mussels that attach themselves to your ropes will be hard to see.You will begin to notice that the tiny spawn is getting bigger.They need to reach a length of at least 3–4 inches before they are ready to harvest.It takes a long time for mussels to grow to their full size.If possible, keep a close eye on the mussels growing on your ropes.
Step 12: Pull the ropes up.
If you want to remove the ropes from the water, use a tow cable or hand hook.You can harvest the mussels and prepare them for market.If necessary, spray the mussels with a hose to rinse off any accumulate dirt, silt, or algae prior to harvesting.
Step 13: The ropes have mussels in them.
Break up clusters of mature mussels by hand or use a de-clumping machine to separate them.You can deposit the loose mussels in a bin or large container when you remove them.If you want to avoid cutting yourself on partially opened shells, be sure to wear gloves.