Temperature and flow effects on mussel gaping behavior

Abstract

Anthropogenic induced thermal stress is a major driver of change, specifically within marine coastal ecosystems. Mussel beds provide important structures and chemical functions to surround marine ecosystem. Mussel behavior is known to be influenced by environmental factors, but less has been explored about how behavior might influence their role in chemical manipulation. In this study, we developed a system to monitor gaping distance of Mytilus (californianus and trossulus) across time under different temperature and flow speed conditions. We documented increases in Mytilus californianus gaping frequencies and decreases in Mytilus trossulus gaping frequencies as water was warmed. Although Mytilus trossulus often inhabit low flow areas, there was not a significant change observed in time spent open when placed in higher flow. Although further replication is desired, temperature and flow are seen to affect gaping across species, providing implications for marine warming created shifts.