The growth of Scrobicularia plana (da costa) in the Gwendraeth estuary

Abstract

Populations of Scrobicularia plana with densities up to 1025 per m2 are found in the Gwendraeth Estuary.In a region where the population density was about 500 per m2 it was found that some specimens lived for 16‐18 years and reached a length of 54 mm. An approximate growth curve is given.There is very little successful settlement of spat in the sampling area; less than 2% of the shells were under 10 mm in length in July 1955. This low figure is attributed to the feeding activities of the dense adult population making the area difficult to settle in.