Patterns of growth and undetectable growth lines of Astarte sulcata (Bivalvia) in the Faroe-Shetland Channel
Weber, A.; Witbaard, R.; van Steenpaal, S. (2001). Patterns of growth and undetectable growth lines of Astarte sulcata (Bivalvia) in the Faroe-Shetland Channel. Senckenb. Marit. 31(2): 235-244. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF03043032
In: Senckenbergiana Maritima: Wissenschaftliche Mitteilungen der Senckenbergischen naturforschenden Gesellschaft. E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung (Nägele u. Obermiller): Stuttgart. ISSN 0080-889X, more
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| Keywords |
Dimensions > Depth
Fauna > Aquatic organisms > Aquatic animals > Shellfish
Population functions > Growth
Properties > Biological properties > Longevity
Topographic features > Submarine features > Continental slope
Bivalvia [WoRMS]
ANE, Faeroe-Shetland Channel [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top |
- Weber, A.
- Witbaard, R., more
- van Steenpaal, S.
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| Abstract |
To study the effects of increased near-bottom turbulence, individuals ofAstarte sulcata (Bivalvia) were collected along a depth gradient in the Faroe-Shetland Channel during a research cruise in April 1999. These bivalves were found at depths ranging from 250 m to 800 m. We analysed their long-term growth by means of counting growth lines in the hinge. The average shell size differed at the different depths. The largest animals were found at 300 m (average: 22–23 mm) and the smallest ones at 600 m (average: 15–16 mm). A trend was also found in the age structure at 250 m to 350 m depth.Astarte at 250 m possessed on average 45 growth lines compared to an average of 69 lines in animals obtained from 350 m depth. It was impossible to determine the relative age ofAstarte from 500 m, 600 m and 800 m depth because they did not have clearly defined growth lines. The above-mentioned differences in size, age and growth line visibility are discussed in the light of the effects of temperature and internal waves. Interestingly, unlike other large filter feeders,Astarte appears to be negatively affected by internal wave action. |
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