Histologia Informr 2 Unp

Burrow morphology, biometry, age and growth of piddocks

(Mollusca: Bivalvia: Pholadidae) on the south coast of England

Received: 11 August 2004 / Accepted: 27 January 2005 / Published online: 11 June 2005

Springer-Verlag 2005

Abstract Biometry and growth of three piddock species

Pholas dactylus, Barnea candida and B. parva, from

chalk and clay substrata were investigated between 1999

and 2000 at five low shore locations along the south

coast of England. Piddock burrow shape was significantly

different (P<0.01) amongst the locations. Burrows

at Lyme Regis showed the largest (height/

maximum diameter) ratio (4.86±2.00) whilst those at

Compton the lowest (3.73±1.62). Using the method of

Bhattacharya, the population structure of P. dactylus,

B. candida and B. parva was separated into eight, three

and five modal size classes, respectively. Age and shell

growth were determined from the number and spacing,

respectively, of annual growth lines present in acetate

peel replicas of shell sections. The von Bertalanffy

growth (VBG) equation fitted the size at age data

obtained for P. dactylus and B. candida (L¥ and K were

79.3±13.8 mm and 0.0011±0.22 and 29.6±1.5 mm

and 1.17±0.47, respectively) whilst the size at age data

for B. parva were linearly related and did not fit the

assumptions of the VBG equation. Male and female

gonads were mature and piddocks competent to spawn

between June and September 1999, with settlement of

juveniles observed between November 1999 and February

2000. A significant relationship between burrow

aperture diameter and age of the occupant piddock was

established for the three species. Burrow morphology

and spatial distribution of burrows were influenced by

substratum hardness and population density. Based on

estimates at Lyme Regis, piddocks are capable of

removing up to 41% of the shore substratum to a depth

of 85 mm over their lifespan (12 years), significantly

compromising the structural stability of the soft rock

shores they inhabit and contributing to bioerosion.

Introduction

Bivalve piddocks are one of the most characteristic

faunal groups inhabiting lower soft rock shores, such as

those comprised of limestone, chalk, sandstone, slate or

stiff clay (Harvey et al. 1980; Trudgill 1983, 1985;

George and Fincham 1989). Despite this, relatively little

is known about their general biology and ecology. Three

species of piddock commonly occur on the English south

coast: the common piddock Pholas dactylus L., the white

piddock Barnea candida (L.) and the little piddock

B. parva (Pennant) (Tittley et al. 1986; Wood and Wood

1986; George and Fincham 1989; Wood 1992). These

bivalves bore into the substratum and, consequently, it

may be this cryptic lifestyle that has resulted in the

general lack of knowledge about these species. This is

despite interest in them from early naturalists fascinated

by their luminescent properties and boring ability. For

example, Pliny the Elder (AD 77) documented the luminscence

of P.dactylus even whilst being eaten. Jefferies

(1865) refers to their use as food and fish bait and

Turner (1954) reported that the Romans ate them.

Pholas dactylus was once prevalent across the entire

Mediterranean and on the Atlantic coast of Europe, but

Communicated by O. Kinne, Oldendorf/Luhe

E. H. Pinn (&) Æ S. J. Hawkins

School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton,

Southampton, SO16 7PX, UK

E-mail: eunice.pinn@jncc.gov.uk

Tel.: +44-1224-655718

Fax: +44-1224-621488

C. A. Richardson

School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales Bangor,

Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5AB, UK

R. C. Thompson

School of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth,

Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK

S. J. Hawkins

The Laboratory, Marine Biological Association, Citadel Hill,

Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK

Present address: E. H. Pinn

Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Dunnet House,

7 Thistle Place, Aberdeen, AB10 1UZ, UK

Marine Biology (2005) 147: 943–953

DOI 10.1007/s00227-005-1582-0

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