J. Caceresmartinez et A. Figueras, MUSSEL (MYTILUS-GALLOPROVINCIALIS LAMARCK) SETTLEMENT IN THE RIA-DE-VIGO (NW SPAIN) DURING A TIDAL CYCLE, Journal of shellfish research, 16(1), 1997, pp. 83-85
The settlement of mussel was determined during a tidal cycle in an exp
osed rocky shore in the Ria de Vigo (northwestern Spain) and 300 m awa
y from it. In the exposed rocky shore, mussel settlement was recorded
throughout the intertidal profile during the tidal cycle. Settlement w
as more abundant in the lower than in the upper intertidal zone. The s
ize of settled mussels varied from 0.250 to 11 mm. The largest mussels
were found in the lower intertidal zone. Maximum densities were recor
ded during the high tide, and the minimum were recorded during the low
tide. Three hundred meters away from the mussel bed, settlement occur
red during the complete tidal cycle. A light increase in the number of
settled mussels during high tide was recorded. Settlement was more ab
undant at 2- than at 5- and at 8-m depth. The size of settled mussels
varied from 0.225 to 0.375 mm and was similar at all depths studied.