Growth variation with age and water depth in the Iceland scallop ( Chlamys islandica, Pectinidae)

Abstract

Mature and immature Iceland scallops; Chlamys islandica, were allowed to grow undisturbed from June until December in hanging containers placed 2 m, 7 m, 12 m, 20 m and 30 m from the sea surface in a northern Norwegian fjord. All the immature scallops increased in shell size while only some of the mature animals did so. Culture depth influenced the amount of shell increment in all groups. Depth also affected growth of soft parts in the immature animals, 12 m depth being the most favourable for growth. These observations are discussed in relation to the growth season for this species.