Filtration rate of blue mussels as a function of flow velocity: preliminary experiments

Abstract

The filtration rate of adult blue mussel Mytilus edulis L. was measured in flume flows ranging from 6–38 cm · s −1 at a constant seston concentration. At > 25 cm · s −1, blue mussel filtration rates were low, <10% of 10 4 cells · ml −1 of Chroomonas salina filtered · h −1 vs. up to 41% at 6.8 cm· s −1. The mechanism of flow-induced inhibition of filtration rate in the blue mussel could not be determined by the experimental approach used. Two previously described mussel pump characteristics initiated in response to increases in ambient flow pressure — pump shutdown or gill bypass shunting — are possible explanations for feeding inhibition.