BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Hydrobia ulvae
All Taxonomy Biology Distribution Reproduction

Researched by	Lizzie Tyler	Data supplied by	University of Sheffield
Refereed by	This information is not refereed.
General Biology
Growth form	Turbinate	Feeding method	Surface deposit feeder Sub-surface deposit feeder
Mobility/Movement	Swimmer Crawler Burrower Drifter	Environmental position	Epifaunal
Typical food types	Detritus, periphytic microalgae.	Habit	Free living
Bioturbator	Not relevant	Flexibility	Low (10-45 degrees)
Fragility	Robust	Size	Very small(<1cm)
Height	Insufficient information	Growth Rate	Insufficient information
Adult dispersal potential	100-1000m	Dependency	Independent
Sociability	Gregarious
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
General Biology Additional Information	The males can be distinguished by a visible penis. Frequently found in very high densities - has been recorded up to 300,000 per square metre. Growth rate varies with time of year and with degree of parasite infestation. Parasite infestation is believed to cause increased growth rates, gigantism and altered morphology in this species. Parasitised snails may reach up to 9mm in height. Parasitism also affects behaviour, slowing locomotion and reducing burrowing activity. The feeding method of Hydrobia ulvae can also be classified as 'microbrowser'.
Biology References	Graham, 1988, Fretter & Graham, 1994, Clay, 1960, Sola, 1996, Huxham et al., 1995, Jensen & Mouritsen, 1992, Hayward & Ryland, 1990, Julie Bremner, unpub data,