Bivalve populations inhabiting hydrothermal vents on submarine volcanoes: using size frequency distributions to infer potential regulatory factors

摘要: In this study, I used length frequency distributions of bivalve populations at hydrothermal vents on submarine volcanoes the South Tonga Arc and Valu Fa Ridge to infer processes that may be responsible for observed population structures. On Volcano 19, lucinid Bathyaustriella thionipta co-occurred with sea star Rumbleaster eructans two sedimented sites. At one site, live clams were significantly smaller (in shell length, SL) than dead ones (showing signs predation by stars), whereas other both, had similarly small SL, suggesting a size refuge from predation. 1, mussel beds Bathymodiolus sp. present in areas: vigorous discharge (‘Bubbles’), another some but also photic zone (‘Barracuda’). Mussels SL ‘Bubbles’ ‘Barracuda’, consequence either younger or nutritionally less favourable environment ‘Bubbles’. mussels utilized both chemo- photosynthetically derived carbon, possibly allowing them reach larger sizes. Hine Hina Ridge, was composed mainly large individuals (>55 mm SL), estimated average 7–13 years old. The combination old mussels, absence recruits, presence abundant empty shells chimneys suggests is waning system. My results indicate structure bivalves can provide information regulate these populations, which turn generate testable hypotheses same location, should return visits occur, locations structured populations.