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Effect of a tripeptide on the aggregational behaviour of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis

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Abstract

Aggregation of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) is stimulated by environmental chemical stimuli. Experiments carried out in a basin with a one-way current showed that individual mussels were attracted to upstream mussel concentrations and moved actively in their direction. The involvement of a tripeptide in this migration was implicated by experiments demonstrating that individual mussels were effectively attracted and moved actively towards a source of glycine–glycine–arginine at concentrations of 0.56–3.78×10–10 M. A distinct seasonal difference in the extent of movement towards mussel concentrations was found. From the beginning of autumn, movement decreases linearly towards zero movement in winter.

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Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Dr N. Dankers for providing the facilities at ALTERRA and for his interest in the problem, Dr J. van der Meer for statistical advice on the data analysis and also Mr A. Meyboom and Mr A. Sleutel for their helpfulness during the investigation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Alterra-Marine and Coastal Zone Research, P.O. Box 167, 1790 AD, Texel, Den Burg, The Netherlands

    C. G. N. de Vooys

  2. Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB, Texel, Den Burg, The Netherlands

    C. G. N. de Vooys

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  1. C. G. N. de Vooys
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Communicated by O. Kinne, Oldendorf/Luhe

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de Vooys, C.G.N. Effect of a tripeptide on the aggregational behaviour of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis . Marine Biology 142, 1119–1123 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-003-1039-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-003-1039-2

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