BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Atrina fragilis
All Taxonomy Biology Distribution Reproduction

Researched by	Dr Harvey Tyler-Walters	Data supplied by	MarLIN
Refereed by	Dr Dan Minchin
General Biology
Growth form	Bivalved	Feeding method	Active suspension feeder
Mobility/Movement	Temporary attachment Burrower	Environmental position	Infaunal
Typical food types	No text entered	Habit	Attached
Bioturbator		Flexibility	None (< 10 degrees)
Fragility	Intermediate	Size	Medium-large(21-50cm)
Height	Insufficient information	Growth Rate	ca 3-4 cm/year
Adult dispersal potential	Very limited (<1m)	Dependency	Independent
Sociability	Solitary
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
General Biology Additional Information	Anon (1999c) suggested that growth is relatively slow (c. 3 -4 cm/year), based on annular growth rings in specimens from Valentia Bay, Ireland. Bulter et al. (1993) note that the growth of Pinna bicolor is indeterminate, rapid when small and slow after 2 years of age. Shell margin is easily damaged to produce sharp edges. These edges may cut the feet of bathers (Anon 1999c). Fan mussels rapidly repair the shell (Yonge, 1953). Fan mussel communities have been poorly studied in the UK and information is only available from the Mediterranean, South Australia and the USA. Pseudofaeces results in biodeposits that reduce the variability of nematode meiofauna in Atrina zealandica beds (Warwick et al. 1997). Pinna bicolor hosts a species rich epifauna (Kay & Keough, 1981; Ward & Young 1984). In St Joseph Bay, Florida shells of dead Atrina rigida, predated by the horse conch, provide shelter for crabs, fish and octopus and were used as 'nests' by blennies, clingfish and toadfish (Kuhmann 1997)
Biology References	Tebble, 1976, Anonymous, 1999(c), Yonge, 1953, Butler et al., 1993, Ward & Young, 1983, Warwick et al., 1997, Kay & Keough, 1981, Kuhlmann, 1997,