Eyed Larvae:

Oysters have a complex life cycle that consists of two stages: the first being a planktonic free-swimming stage lasting 2-3 weeks followed by a benthic, sedentary stage lasting the remainder of the oysters life, the two being joined by a metamorphosis. Eyed larvae is produced in the hatchery by rearing larvae through the complete larval phase, but removing them from culture just prior to metamorphosis. Once removed from culture eyed larvae can be stored in refrigeration for up to five days, then put back into water and allowed to settle and metamorphose. This product is most often used by remote setting facilities who add eyed larvae to large tanks filled with conditioned water and clean, whole oyster shells.  The result is multiple larvae settling on each oyster shell, a product known as spat-on-shell.

OSH prides itself on providing the buyer with the “hottest” eyed larvae possible. Hot refers to a larva’s readiness to set. The more ready or “competent” larvae are, the closer they are to settlement and subsequent metamorphosis.  More competant larvae translates to higher return for the remote setter.

More information on the use of eyed larvae for remote setting can be found in “A Practical Manual for Remote Setting in Virginia”, available from Virginia Sea Grant at http://web.vims.edu/adv/frg/pubs