Factors influencing the attachment strength of Dreissena polymorpha (Bivalvia)
Title:
Factors influencing the attachment strength of Dreissena polymorpha (Bivalvia)
Author:
Kobak, Jarosław
Appeared in:
Biofouling
Paging:
Volume 22 (2006) nr. 3 pages 141-150
Year:
2006
Contents:
The effects of several factors (shell length, exposure time, substratum orientation in space, illumination, temperature, conspecifics) upon the attachment strength (measured with a digital dynamometer) of the freshwater, gregarious bivalve Dreissena polymorpha were studied under laboratory conditions. A rapid increase in attachment strength was observed on resocart (a thermosetting polymer based on phenol-formaldehyde resin, with paper as filler) substrata during the first 4-d exposure, after which it stabilised at ca 1 N. The attachment strength increased also with mussel size. Mussel adhesion on variously oriented surfaces (vertical, upper horizontal and lower horizontal) was similar. Illumination inhibited attachment strength, as expected for a photophobic species, but only after a 2-d exposure. After 6 d, no effects of light were detected. Thus, illumination seemed to influence the attachment rate, rather than the final strength. The optimum temperature for mussel attachment was 20 - 25°C. At lower and higher temperatures (5 - 15°C and 30°C), their adhesion strength decreased. The presence of conspecifics stimulated mussel attachment strength.
Journal description