Physiological energetics of mussel larvae (Mytiius edulis). IV. Efficiencies

Abstract

Assimilation efficiency, gross growth efficiency K, and net growth efficiency KZ have been estimated for marine mussel larvae (Mytilus edulis L.). These calculations are based on data of growth, food uptake and respiration determined for distinct larval sizes at standard conditions: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 40 Isochrysis cells p,-' and 6, 12 and 18°C. Assimilation efficiency ranged between 20 and 50 % and tended to be highest at food concentrations below 5 cells ~ 1-l. Gross growth efficiency had maximum values between 25 and 40 %, net growth efficiency between 60 and 70 %.