Studies on growth in the early adult of the freshwater mussel, Anodonta cygnea

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2004

Authors

Lima, P (Author) Other; Carvalho, F (Author) Other; Vasconcelos, V (Author) FCUP; Machado, J (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Invertebrate Reproduction and Development

Vol. 45

Pages: 117-125

ISSN: 0792-4259

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 6 Citations

Scopus - 7 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-9QR

DOI: 10.1080/07924259.2004.9652581

Abstract (EN): An evaluation of the influence of environmental factors on the normal growth of young Anodonta cygnea was undertaken in semi-controlled conditions in the natural habitat. Organic and inorganic compounds and the microalgal population composition were analysed for I year in the lagoon habitat and correlated with bivalve length and weight variations. The results from the water samples showed a significant increase in calcium and magnesium in the spring-summer period, suggesting an influence on shell growth that is apparent at this time. Sodium potassium and chloride show no significant variations. The significantly higher lipid concentration in spring, albeit still at a low level, may be related to the increase in body weight during this season, whilst the stable protein and carbohydrate contents provide the bases for growth and metabolism, respectively. An appropriate combination of microalgae, including diatoms, chlorophytes and cyanophytes may be an important factor in the increase in length and weight of young bivalves during spring and autumn periods. This influence seems to be reinforced by association with mild temperatures (12-15degreesC). In contrast, a low rate of growth in summer and its virtual absence in winter are due to the presence, in substantial numbers, of only two kinds of microalgae and high or low temperatures. A high level of survival (85%) of young A. cygnea was observed during the 3-year period of culture. The correlation coefficient between length and weight during the early adult growth period was estimated to be 95%.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9