Deepwater population structure and reproductive state of quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) in Lake Erie

摘要: Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis) population structure and reproductive status were assessed at deepwater (37 55 m) sites in eastern Lake Erie during July 1996. Mussels occupied ~70% of soft substrates 37-m between 63 90% 55-m sites. Shell length dry mass frequency distributions similar both sites, although recruits <<= 5 mm comprised a larger proportion the deeper site. The surveyed here allocated disproportionately less to shell more tissues relative zebra mussels polymorpha) from shallow-water St. Clair. m was slightly skewed toward male (58%). Female that examined for state contained mature oocytes (80%) or had spent gonads (20%). Because water temperature site only 4.8°C, this survey provides first evidence gonadal development spawning by quagga low temperature. These finding...