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

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
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.INTRODUCTIONMany 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.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: