The Distribution of Mytilus edulis and Anomid Larvae in Kilkieran Bay, Co. Galway

Abstract

The temporal and spatial distribution of Mytiius edulis and Anomiidae larvae were recorded in Kilkieran Bay, Co. Galway, during 1984 and 1985. Only larvae close to settlement (M. edulis larvae > 250 µm length and Anomiid larvae > 160 µm length) were considered. M. edulis larvae were commonest in late July, mid-August and early September 1984 and in early May, mid-June and early September 1985, while Anomiid larvae were commonest in late June and rnid-July 1984 and mid-June and early September 1985. M. edulis larvae were generally found in higher densities at the mouth of the bay, while Anomiids were more evenly dispersed, with high concentrations over the oyster beds. There was no significant (P < 0.05) net import of either species of larvae into the bay over tidal cycles.