Population Dynamics and Growth of Limnoperna fortunei

During its first year of life, Limnoperna fortunei grows from ~ 10 to > 30 mm in shell length, primarily depending on water temperature. Two-year-old individuals attain 20–30 mm, and 30 mm is usually the largest size, although specimens up to > 50 mm in size have been reported. The life span is 2–3 years. Water temperature, including the season of each cohort, is the most important factor that determines the growth rate, but other constraints can play important roles too, including calcium concentrations, pollution, food availability and intraspecific competition.