Activity And Metabolism In The Mussel Mytilus-Edulis-L During Intertidal Hypoxia And Aerobic Recovery

Coordinated calorimetric and respirometric measurements revealed differences in heat dissipation during exposure to air ($_{t}\dot{q}_{air}$) and its partitioning into aerobic and anaerobic components in intertidally and subtidally acclimatized specimens of Mytilus edulis. Variations in air-gaping behavior were associated with these differences. There appeared to be a minimum (anaerobic) $_{t}\dot{q}_{air}$ and a constant overshoot in heat dissipation associated with recovery metabolism in aerated seawater; superimposed on this anaerobic rate in air was individual variability in air-gaping behavior, which produced a fivefold range of $_{t}\dot{q}_{air}$. There was a positive relationship between the volume of air enclosed by individual mussels and maximum $_{t}\dot{q}_{air}$. Those individuals which gaped less in air showed more shell valve movements during recovery. Exceptionally active mussels accumulated more strombine in their posterior adductor muscles and had a higher anaerobic contribution to muscu...