ABSTRACT
Crassostrea rhizophorae is found in the coastal waters of the various countries bordering the Caribbean and South Atlantic from the West Indies to Santa Catarina, Brazil. Along the almost 8000 km of Brazilian coastline, most of it located in tropical and subtropical areas, the presence of the mangrove environment is a normal feature. The most representative animal species of these mangrove areas are Crassostrea rhizophorae and C. brasiliana. Distribution of the mangrove oyster is determined mainly by the availability of substratum. On most of the Brazilian coastline, the tidal range is about 2.5 m. Mangrove roots generally are found between 0.8 and 1.0 m from the 0.0 level of spring tides. Depending on the technology used, problems develop. One is fouling, which may inhibit or reduce the growth rate of the oyster. The native oysters have an extraordinary potential, because their fecundity assures the almost continuous availability of seed, and the environment permits a high growth rate.
