The effect of temperature and salinity on the physiological rates of the mussel Perna perna (Linnaeus 1758)

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the rates of respiration, clearance, excretion and absorption efficiency at different temperature and salinity under laboratory conditions for Perna perna. Results showed variations in physiological rates and in acclimatization capacity which, taken together, enabled to understand its behavior in the environment, as well as to estimate its scope for growth. All experiments were carried out in static conditions, in ten replicas with one mussel by flasks. Perna perna was capable of achieving acclimatization for both clearance and absorption efficiency (15 to 30 °C), but it achieved only partial acclimatization for respiration and excretion under chronic temperature conditions. The clearance and respiration rates increased twofold as the mussel was submitted to temperature shock, which signified a response to metabolism activity. Acclimatization to salinity was clearly the best developed capability (20 to 40 %o). Net growth efficiency reduced as the temperature increased, but remained constant in the 20 to 35 %o salinity range.