BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Mya arenaria
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	Bivalved	Feeding method	Passive suspension feeder Active suspension feeder
Mobility/Movement	Burrower	Environmental position	Infaunal
Typical food types	Phytoplankton, small zooplankton, benthic diatoms, suspended particulates and dissolved organic matter.	Habit	Burrow dwelling
Bioturbator		Flexibility	None (< 10 degrees)
Fragility	Intermediate	Size	Medium(11-20 cm)
Height	Insufficient information	Growth Rate	See additional information
Adult dispersal potential	100-1000m	Dependency	Independent
Sociability	Solitary
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
General Biology Additional Information	Mya arenaria populations demonstrate pronounced patchiness, e.g. in the Dutch Wadden Sea its abundance varies from high to low. Patchiness seems to be typical in Mya arenaria and has been reported from Sweden and North America (Strasser et al.,1999; Strasser pers. comm.). Growth rates: Mya arenaria generally grows fastest in its first years with growth rate decreasing with age, although linear rates of growth have also been reported (Strasser, 1999). Growth is rapid in favourable conditions but rates vary with location, e.g. Mya sp. grew to 51 mm in 6-7 years in Alaska, but this size was attained in 1.5 years in Connecticut (Brousseau & Baglivo, 1987). Similarly, marketable size ( 4-5 cm long) was reached within 1.5 years in Chesapeake Bay, but took 5 years in New Brunswick, Canada. Growth rates are affected by population density, sediment type, salinity, emergence time, water flow rates, disturbance, latitude and pollution (Newell & Hidu, 1986; Strasser, 1999). Seasonal growth rates: growth is generally greatest in late spring and early summer and slowest in cold winters e.g. in New England (Newell & Hidu, 1986). Rapid growth is correlated with the phytoplankton bloom and therefore food availability but may also be affected by temperature and spawning (Stickney, 1964; Brousseau, 1979; Newell & Hidu, 1986).
Biology References	Fish & Fish, 1996, Campbell, 1994, Hayward et al., 1996, Tebble, 1976, Newell & Hidu, 1986, Strasser, 1999, Brousseau & Baglivo, 1987, Brousseau, 1979, Stickney, 1964, Clay, 1966, Brousseau, 1987, Newell, 1982, Armonies, 1994, Brousseau, 1978(b), Kühl, 1981, Gibbons & Blogoslawski, 1989, Anonymous, 1996, Hawkins, 1994, Kammermans, 1994, Dow & Wallace, 1961, Beukema, 1995, McLaughlin & Faisal, 2000, Hayward & Ryland, 1990,