Infestation of pearl oysters by boring and fouling organisms in the northern Persian Gulf

Abstract

Infestation of the pearl oysters Pinctada margaritifera and Pinctada radiata by boring and fouling organisms at pearl culture farms, as well as in the wild, was studied on the northern coast of the Persian Gulf. Barnacles, spat of edible oysters and tubiculous polychaetes were major fouling organisms in the pearl culture farms. In natural beds, however, fouling sponges, algae and ascidians were considered to be the main fouling organisms. The sponge Cliona and mussel Lithophaga were the most destructive boring organisms encountered causing considerable damage to the shells.