Ecophysiology of the black mussel Choromytilus meridionalis (Krauss)

• Main Author: Griffiths, Roberta Joyce
• Other Authors: Field, John G
• Format: Doctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2015
• Subjects: Zoology
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/12542

Bibliography: leaves 249-252. === The thesis decribes the reproduction, population dynamics and production, filtration, respiration and assimilation of the black mussel Choromytilus meridionalis (Kr.) at Bailey's Cottage, False Bay, South Africa. The reproductive season and gonad development is described from monthly measurements made over a period of 4 years. Spawning usually extends from July to February and is characterised by peaks of gamete release interspersed with regeneration of the gonad. Individual fecundity varies from year to year and increases with increasing body size, representing 61-97% of production. Although large volumes of gamete material are emmitted annually, spat settlement at the study site is only successful at 4 to 6 year intervals. The population dynamics at different shore levels is described in detail.