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Seasonal variation in the strength of byssal attachment of the common mussel Mytilus edulis L.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

Hilary Ann Price
Hilary Ann Price
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University College, Cardiff
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Extract

A seasonal cycle in byssal attachment strength of Mytilus edulis is described in a population of mussels on the South Wales coast. Attachment strength reaches a maximum in September with a minimum in May.

INTRODUCTION

Many seasonal cycles of a physiological nature have been described in the common mussel Mytilus edulis L. (reviewed by Gabbott, 1976; also Pieters et al. 1978; Zurburg et al. 1978), some of which, for example the annual accumulation and subsequent utilization of energy substrates, appear to be linked to gametogenesis. Following spawning in the spring the gonads of Mytilus enter a resting phase; metabolic demands are low. Glycogen and protein are accumulated in the tissues at this time as phytoplankton is abundant. Gonadal development commences in autumn when phytoplankton density has declined and energy is supplied by the utilization of stored reserves. Pieters et al. (1978) have suggested that the resulting decline in reserves is accentuated by the need for greater byssus production at this time to secure the mussels against the rigours of autumn and winter storms. No accounts exist of field studies which might support this hypothesis.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 60 , Issue 4 , November 1980 , pp. 1035 - 1037
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1980

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References

REFERENCES

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