Nutritional Benefits of Saccostrea cucullata: Potential Role in Human Health

Abstract

Saccostrea cucullata, a species of bivalve mollusk native to the Persian Gulf, is highly prized for its nutritional richness and rapid growth, making it a valuable species for aquaculture. Despite its abundance and potential in the Persian Gulf, the aquaculture industry has faced challenges due to limited understanding of its biology and genetics. This review consolidates current knowledge on the life cycle, reproduction, and environmental factors influencing the growth and nutritional quality of Saccostrea cucullata. It examines the impact of climate variations and identifies key challenges. Strategies such as closed-system cultivation, selective breeding, and genetic enhancement aimed at producing triploid oysters are discussed, focusing on improving desirable traits such as growth rate, disease resistance, and nutritional content. Enhancing these aspects can lead to increased production of nutrient-rich Saccostrea cucullata, thereby advancing the nutritional benefits and sustainability of aquaculture.