Filtration activity of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis (Mytilida, Mytilidae), under influence of the starfish, Asterias rubens (Forcipulata, Asteriidae) [Russian]

摘要

A distant influence of Asterias rubens L. (predator) on the pumping rate of its prey, Mytilus edulis L. was studied in experiments. The pumping rate was determined in a special installation composed of two chambers and a watertight membrane between them where the mussel was fixed. The changes in the water level was determined using laser rays. The mussel pumping rate was found to be reduced under the presence of the starfishes. The pumping rate was dependent on the degree of affecting starfishes. The results obtained are discussed with respect to functioning of marine ecosystems and optimization of the blue mussel cultivation in the White Sea.