Regeneration of the Inhalant Siphon of Mesodesma mactroides (Deshayes, 1854) (Mollusca: Bivalvia)

et al., 1970) and birds (Zwarts, 1986). Siphon cropping has been reported for several bivalve species (Trevaillon, 1971; Hodgson, 1982; Peterson & Quammen, 1982; Zwarts, 1986). Many bivalve species have siphons, which can be seen as a renewable resource, if they regenerate after cropping (Penchaszadeh, 1983; Pekkarinen, 1984; Riera, 1995; Luzzatto & Penchaszadeh, 2001). Such processes function as secondary production to higher trophic levels in food webs. However, regeneration occurs at the expense of somatic growth and