VARIABILITY OF GROWTH-RATE IN MYTILUS-EDULIS-L FROM THE CHUPA INLET (THE WHITE SEA)

Length growth of mussels Mytilus edulis L. was studied in the White Se a in four habitats after reciprocal transplantation during a one-year period (1987-1988) and summer period (1989). Mussels from different ha bitats, size and age groups were marked individually and put in net ca ges. The cages were located in intertidal zone, subtidal zone and on s uspended aquaculture rafts. Habitat appeared to be the most important factor for growth of mussels. In spite of origin and age/length charac teristics in intertidal zone, mussels grew approximately 2 times slowe r than in subtidal zone and 3-5 times slower than in suspended conditi ons. Age or length of mussels was the second most important growth fac tor. Type of habitat where the mussels came from (''origin'') appeared to have no influence on growth. Model of mussel growth in different h abitats in relation to seasonal temperatures, molluscs age or length i s given.