Shell gaping behaviour of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinna nobilis</Emphasis> L., 1758: circadian and circalunar rhythms revealed by in situ monitoring |
| |
Authors: | José Rafael García-March Miguel Ángel Sanchís Solsona A M García-Carrascosa |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Zoology, Marine Biology Laboratory, University of Valencia, C/ Doctor Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot (Valencia), Spain |
| |
Abstract: | Gaping activity of bivalve molluscs is closely related to physiological process such as breathing, nutrition, responses to
environmental stimuli and follows rhythmic cycles in many species. Although the alternation of Sun and Moon is the major entraining
agent for the daily living clock-driven rhythms, cyclic extrinsic environmental factors can also modulate gaping activity.
Therefore, laboratory experimental conditions can alter the natural behaviour of bivalves, hindering the interpretation of
observations. Many features of Pinna nobilis physiology are poorly known, gaping activity not being an exception. To reduce the knowledge gap on this regard, we performed
a study on the species gaping activity. The research was designed to be carried out in situ, in order to avoid the interference
of laboratory conditions in the observations. To this end, we designed and fabricated a new electronic system composed by
a data logger and a sensor formed by multiple reed switches activated by a single magnet. The system is autonomous and can
record gaping activity of subtidal bivalves in potentially any type of subtidal environment. Furthermore, it requires little
framework for the installation. With this system, we monitored 10 individuals in periods ranging between 3 and 21 days, for
up to a total of 98 days. The records have shown that far from being all day open, as previously suggested, P. nobilis follows marked circadian and circalunar rhythms of gaping activity. Individuals usually close the valves during night, sometimes
for more than 12 h. The repetition of patterns observed made it possible to distinguish between two main behaviours: (1) night-closing
related with sunset and (2) night-opening related with the Moon visible in the sky with the disc illuminated more than 50%.
Another two less common trends were also observed: (3) day-closing and (4) night-opening with no visible Moon. |
| |
Keywords: | Shell activity Respiration Pinna nobilis Mediterranean |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|