Porosity of the gill, oxygen consumption and pumping rate inCardium edule(L.) (Bivalvia)

Abstract

The retention efficiency of Cardium edule was found to reach maximum at a particle diameter of about 7 µ. Below 1 µ probably no particles are retained. The pumping rate is described by the power equation P = 2.00 W^0.58 1/hr, the oxygen uptake by R = 0.37 · W^0.77 ml/hr, and the ratio P/R by F = 5.42 · W^−0.18, where W is dry weight of soft tissue. This means that the energy available for growth and reproduction decreases with increasing body size. The fecundity in relation to size, food uptake and respiration is discussed.