Variability in strength of byssus attachment and index condition of subtidal mussels during the maximum growth stage

Local environmental conditions can have strong effects on ecophysiological responses in bivalve molluscs. Molluscs must allocate the energetic resources acquired in their habitats to survival and fitness. In this study, we investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of response in relation to byssus strength and soft tissue weight during the maximum growth stage in the subtidal mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis between March and July 2015 in the Ria de Arousa (NW Spain). Mussels growing in high-energy environments secreted stronger byssus than those inhabiting low-energy sites. The integrated values of wave height and food availability for the previous 15 days showed a positive relationship explaining 45% and 9% of total variability in tenacity of the byssus threads. Differences in condition index were greatest between the northern (highest values) and southern sites at the mouth of the ria owing to differences in food availability. Despite similar hydrodynamic energy values, the high food availability in the exposed northern zones supplied sufficient energetic resources for both strong byssus secretion and high CI. Despite lower food availability, high CI values were also reached in mussels in the innermost, sheltered sites, because of the low need for survival with strong attachment. The condition index was positively correlated with temperature and food availability integrated during 45 previous days prior explained a 57% and 13% of total variance, respectively, while wave height explained 2% but with an inverse relationship. Environmental differences between the geographical zones of the estuary modulated byssus secretion functionality affecting the soft tissues status of mussels.

Automated summary

The study shows that local environmental conditions greatly influence the ecophysiological responses of bivalve molluscs, particularly in relation to food availability and wave height. The amount of food available in the environment affects the strength of the byssus secreted by mussels, while temperature and wave height also play a role in determining the soft tissue status of the molluscs.