Effect of shell valve closure by the mussel Mytilus edulis L. on the rate of oxygen consumption in declining oxygen tension

Abstract

1. 1. The relation between oxygen consumption rates in “open” and “closed” specimens of Mytilus edulis L. were studied under declining oxygen tensions. 2. 2. At shell valve closure the oxygen consumption rate is reduced momentarily (measurable within approximately 2 min) to a level six times lower than the maximal, “open” rate at high oxygen tension. 3. 3. The reduced oxygen consumption rate in the closed condition is discussed in terms of convection of the respiratory surfaces.