ECOLOGY OF BIVALVE MOLLUSCS AND THE CULTURE OF MYA ARENARIA,
Abstract
Field studies were conducted to determine the importance of water circulation and substratum on the distribution of bivalve molluscs in a Rhode Island coastal lagoon. The feasibility of culturing the soft-shell clam, Mya arenaria, in artificial sea water was also investigated. The results of field studies indicated that the general water circulation pattern in the lagoon isn't a restrictive factor in determining bivalve distribution. Although molluscs such as Mya, Mercenaria, and Gemma were found to be commonly associated with substrates containing sand, and molluscs such as Tellina and Mulinia were commonly found associated with mud substrates, the broad range of sediment categories successfully colonized by many of the bivalves showed that the substratum itself also is not a restrictive factor. A hypothesis compatible with survey findings was formulated which states that the average quantity and quality of the food supply immediately overlying the substratum coupled with innate feeding capability of bivalves is primarily responsible for observed distributions. Although Mya was not successfully cultured through a complete life cycle, adults ranging from 3/4 to 3 inches in size were successfully maintained in artificial sea water at 4C for a period of two years.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0696132
Entities
People
- Donald E. Leone
- Edward A. Zuraw
- William T. Sommers
Organizations
- General Dynamics