Physical and biological factors influencing mussel (Mytilus trossulus, M. edulis) settlement on a wave-exposed rocky shore
Abstract
Settlement rates of mussels Mytilus trossulus and M. edulis on artificial collectors (aquarium
filter wool) and natural substrata were measured in tidepools and on emergent rock in recently
ice-scoured and non-scoured regions of a rocky shore near Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Patterns of
abundance and size distribution of mussel settlers differed markedly between artificial collectors
and natural substrata. Settlement rate on artificial collectors was directly related to water flux,
and was highest on ice-scoured emergent rock and lowest in non-scoured tidepools. Settlement rate on
natural substrata was related to a suite of biological (macroalgal/barnacle cover) and physical
factors (water flux, tidal height, flushing time), and was highest in ice-scoured tidepools and
lowest on ice-scoured emergent rock. Large postlarval mussels ( gt 5 mm shell length) were common on
natural substrata but rare on artificial collectors. Recruitment patterns of mussels on natural
substrata reflected the distribution of settlers, suggesting that settlement patterns are important
in determining the distribution and abundance of mussels in this population.
Citation
Hunt, Heather L., and Robert E. Scheibling. 1996. "Physical and biological factors influencing mussel (Mytilus trossulus, M. edulis) settlement on
a wave-exposed rocky shore." Marine Ecology Progress Series 142(1-3): 135-145. doi:10.3354/meps142135