ECOPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF CERASTODERMA EDULE (L.) AND C. GLAUCUM(BRUGUIERE) TO DIFFERENT SALINITY REGIMES AND EXPOSURE TO AIR

The estuarine bivalve Cerastoderma edule and the lagoonal C.glaucum were exposed in the laboratory to different salinityregimes and the effects in the osmotic concentration of themantle cavity liquid, extrapallial fluid and haemolymph determined.The behavioural responses of the two cockles to changing salinityand exposure to air were investigated by monitoring valve movements. Both C. edule and C. glaucum are euryhaline osmo-conformerswhen exposed to different environmental salinities, but differencesare seen in their behavioural responses to sudden exposure tolow salinity and cyclic changes in salinity. C. glaucum postponedthe effect of sudden exposure to low salinity by complete valveclosure whilst C. edule partially closed its valves and intermittentlygaped during the same period. During exposure to a sinusoidalfluctuating salinity regime, C. edule responded first to thefalling salinity by retracting siphons and partially closingvalves. In contrast, C. glaucum responded more slowly to fallingsalinity than did C. edule. C. glaucum closed valves faster,accompanied by erratic adductions. During an acclimation period in a continuous automatic tidalsystem, C. edule and C. glaucum were entrained to the tidalrhythm of immersion and exposure to air and demonstrated differentresponses of valve gaping and adductions. This rhythm was lostupon continuous submergence indicating the rhythm is exogenouslyinduced. The two cockles gaped during exposure to air at lowtide, suggesting that both can respire in air, contrary to previousreports. The different physiological and behavioural responses of C.edule and C. glaucum to changing salinity and exposure to airwere found to be a reflection of their respective environments.C. edule is adapted to daily changes and stresses in its estuarinehabitat whilst C. glaucum is subjected to seasonal changes. (Received 19 September 1985;