Thermal tolerance of Mytilus edulis of Eastern Australia

The tolerance and resistance parameters of Mytilus edulis were investigated using probit analysis based on the dosage-mortality response curve. The effect of thermal acclimation on incipient lethal temperatures for a range of 5° to 25°C are described. The ultimate upper incipient lethal temperature is 28. 2°C. Changes in the thermal resistance parameters with size, photoperiod and salinity are shown to be statistically significant. The temperature of incapacitation of the mussel is defined in relation to the critical thermal maxima. A correlation was found between latitude and both temperature of incapacitation and temperature of spawning in the laboratory.