Body size, geographical distribution and biomass make Laternula elliptica one of the most important bivalve species of the Antarctic. A complete study on the population dynamics (reproduction cycle, growth, mortality and productivity) of this species from King George Island gave growth parameters for the von-Bertalanffy-growth-function of: L∞ = 112.2 mm, K = 0.160 yr 1, t0 = 0.000 yr. Total mortality was estimated as Z = 0.392 yr−1. Somatic production and mean biomass of two distinct sub-populations were 8.7 and 67.3 g AFDW m−2 yr−1 at Beach & Glacier and 20.0 and 88.6 g AFDW m−2 yr−1 at Punta Elefante. The following P / B values were calculated; Beach & Glacier = 0.129, Punta Elefante = 0.226. It is suggested that these differences are linked to mortality caused by icebergs which is expected to be higher at the shallower Punta Elefante site.