Energy metabolism of newly settledOstrea edulis spat during metamorphosis

An energy budget for metamorphosis in oyster spatOstrea edulis L., collected in the Instituto Español de Oceanografía during March–April 1988, was determined. The energy cost of metamorphosis was calculated from measurements of biochemical components which form the principal reserves of energy and which are used significantly during metamorphosis. The results indicated that protein supplied most of the energy inO. edulis spat. The idea that neutral lipids were used selectively as an energy reserve during the metamorphosis of this bivalve marine larvae was questioned.