The effect of temperature on the oxygen consumption and filtration rate ofChlamys (Aequipecten) opercularis(L.) (Bivalvia)

Abstract

The oxygen consumption and filtration rate of the queen scallop, Chlamys (Aequipecten) opercularis has been studied simultaneously in animals of a wide size range, maintained at four different temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20°C) for known periods of acclimation of up to 7 weeks. The oxygen consumption was found to be markedly affected by temperature and the time of acclimation. The filtration rate was found to be affected by temperature, and the time of acclimation (at 5°C only), but to a lesser extent than oxygen consumption. Consequently the ratio of 1. filtered/ml O₂ consumed was found to vary with temperature and perhaps acclimation time, and it is suggested that the relationship between oxygen consumption and filtration rate is not a fixed relationship.