Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-2brh9 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-26T12:01:53.487Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Some effects of salinity on the distribution and abundance of Corophium volutator in the Ythan estuary

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

Donald S. McLusky
Affiliation:
Natural History Department, Marischal College, Aberdeen1

Extract

A study of the effects of salinity on the distribution and abundance of the amphipod Corophium volutator (Pallas) on the estuary of the River Ythan, Aberdeenshire, indicates that 2‰ is a critical minimum salinity controlling its distribution. In areas with salinities between 2 and 5‰ C. volutator was present, but in reduced numbers. Breeding occurred only in salinities greater than 7·5‰. In areas with salinity greater than 5‰, the distribution and abundance of C. volutator were controlled by the nature of the substrate; however, in areas with suitable substrates, but where the salinity was below 5‰, the effects of salinity override the effects of the substrate. The annual life-cycle is discussed. The results of this study are compared with those of a recent experimental study.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1968

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Capstick, C. K., 1957. The salinity characteristics of the middle and upper reaches of the River Blyth Estuary. J. Attim. Ecol., Vol. 26, pp. 295315.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dunnet, G. M., 1965. Research at Culterty Field Station. Scot. Birds, Vol. 3, pp. 219–35.Google Scholar
Fisher, R. A. & Yates, F., 1963. Statistical Tables (6th ed.), 146 pp. Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd.Google Scholar
Hamond, R., 1967. The Amphipoda of Norfolk. Cah. Biol. mar., T. 8, pp. 113–52.Google Scholar
Hart, T. J., 1930. Preliminary notes on the bionomics of the amphipod Corophium volutator. J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K., Vol. 16, pp. 761–89.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ingle, R. W., 1963. Corophium multisetosum Stock, a Crustacean Amphipod new to Great Britain, with notes on the distribution of C. volutator (Pallas) and C. arenarium Crawford. Ann. Mag. nat. Hist., Ser. 13, Vol. 6, pp. 449–60.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kinne, O., 1966. Physiological aspects of animal life in estuaries with special reference to salinity. Neth. J. Sea Res., Vol. 3, pp. 222–44.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
McLusky, D. S., 1967. Some effects of salinity on the survival, moulting and growth of Corophium volutator (Amphipoda). J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K., Vol. 47, pp. 607–17.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Meadows, P. S., 1964. Substrate selection by Corophium species—the particle size of substrates. J. Anim. Ecol., Vol. 33, pp. 387–94.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Morgan, E., 1965. The activity rhythm of the amphipod Corophium volutator, and its possible relationship to changes in hydrostatic pressure associated with the tides. J. Anim. Ecol., Vol. 34, pp. 731–46.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Morgans, J. F. C., 1956. Notes on the analysis of shallow water soft substrate. J. Anim. Ecol., Vol. 25, pp. 367–87.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Reid, D. M., 1930. Salinity interchange between sea water in sand, and overflowing fresh water at low tide. J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K., Vol. 16, pp. 609–14.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Remane, A. & Schlieper, C., 1958. Die Biologie des Brackzwassers. 348 pp. Stuttgart: E. Schweizerbartsche.Google Scholar
Segerstråle, S. G., 1940. Studien über die Bodentierwelt in südfinnländischen Kustengewässern. VI. Zur Biologie des Amphipoden Corophium volutator, nebst Angaben über die Entwicklung und Rückbildung die Oostegitenborsten bei dieser Art. Commentat. biol., Vol. 7, No. 16, 40 pp.Google Scholar
Segerstråle, S. G., 1959. Synopsis of data on the crustaceans Gammarus locusta, G. oceanicus, Pontoporeia affinis and Corophium volutator. Commentat. biol., Vol. 20, No. 5, 23 pp.Google Scholar
Watkin, E. E., 1941. The yearly life cycle of the amphipod Corophium volutator. J. Anim. Ecol., Vol. 10, pp. 7793.CrossRefGoogle Scholar