Survival and reproduction of the mussel Xenostrobus securis (Lamarck) (Mollusca; Bivalvia; Mytilidae) in a Western Australian estuary. Pt. II: Reproduction,growth and longevity

Summary

Growth, longevity and breeding characteristics of populations of the mussel Xenostrobus securis in the Swan Estuary are remarkably variable, both between one year and another and between upstream and downstream localities. These characteristics and their variability may be accounted for by the species' physiological responses and limitations to variable salinity conditions. The Swan Estuary is subject to extreme temporal and spatial variations in salinity. Temperature has only a secondary significance on the biology of the mussel in this estuary.

Activity including growth is inhibited at chlorinities below 2‰. This occurs each winter during the discharge period. At Crawley (downstream) the discharge period rarely lasts more than a few weeks in mid winter, but at upstream limits of the estuary (e.g. Barker Bridge) it is highly variable and may last as long as seven months. Consequently the period of no-growth which corresponds to the discharge period varies between downstream and upstream populations and the total annual growth increment varies accordingly. Similarly the duration of the no-growth period and the total annual growth increment varies from year to year at upstream localities.

At Crawley mussels live only one year. At that locality there is almost total mortality of adults soon after spawning. The relationship of the post-reproductive mortality to intensity of reproductive effort is discussed. At Barker Bridge heavy post-reproductive mortality was not observed and animals may live two years or more. This greater longevity at Barker Bridge is considered to have survival advantage for the population which is living in an unstable and inconsistent environment. Downstream conditions are more seasonally regular and the populations there can rely on having optimal conditions each year.

Spawning begins at the downstream end of the estuary in November or December when the chlorinity rises to the critical lower limit for larval development (8 to 9‰. Cl). A wave of spawning moves up the estuary as the summer progresses, following the zone of optimal salinity conditions. It does not reach Barker Bridge until February or March. In 1964 the chlorinity did not reach the lower limit for larval development at Barker Bridge and no spawning or spatfall occurred there.

It is considered that X. securis is physiologically well adapted for persistence in an estuarine environment characterized by variable and unstable salinity conditions.