Effect of a tripeptide on the aggregational behaviour of the blue mussel Mytillus edulis

Abstract

Aggregation of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) is stimulated by environmental chemical stimuli. Experiments carried out in a basin with a one-way current showed that individual mussels were attracted to upstream mussel concentrations and moved actively in their direction. The involvement of a tripeptide in this migration was implicated by experiments demonstrating that individual mussels were effectively attracted and moved actively towards a source of glycine-glycine-arginine at concentrations of 0.56-3.78x10-10 M. A distinct seasonal difference in the extent of movement towards mussel concentrations was found. From the beginning of autumn, movement decreases linearly towards zero movement in winter. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]