The isolation response of mussels (Mytilus edulisL.) exposed to falling sea-water concentrations

Abstract

The salinity of the water retained within the mantle cavity of mussels after the shell valves have closed in response to falling environmental salinities is influenced by the rate of external salinity change. At high rates of salinity change the retained water salinity is significantly higher than in animals exposed to slowly changing salinities. However, the mantle fluid salinity is not primarily determined by the timing ofx shell valve adduction, but by closure of the exhalant siphon.