Growth Responses of the Scallop Patinopecten yessoensis (Pelecypoda: Pectinidae) to Shell Bioerosion and Bottom Sediment Type

Data obtained from field observation revealed that the degree of shell bioerosion of the scallop, Patinopecten (Mizuhopecten) yessoensis, by endolithic organisms significantly higher on the muddy sand than on the sand. At the area studied, the polychaete worm, Polydora brevipalpa (=Polydora ciliata brevipalpa, Polydora ciliata Okuda, Not Johnston, Polydora variegata), which is common symbiotic species for the scallop made 95-100% of total scallop shell bioerosion at the area studied. The muddy bottom sediments enriched by organic matter create favourable conditions for development of microphytobenthos and bacteria, which are predominantly consumed by P. brevipalpa. Linear regressions for the degree of shell bioerosion on the scallop shell height, total wet weight and adductor muscle wet weight revealed negative relationships between them for the scallops inhabiting both sand and muddy sand. The influence of polychaetes on scallops is complex. They may be food competitors. Polychaete can directly affect the host through their boreholes. Scallop expends energy for shell regeneration to prevent the polychaete penetration into its interior cavity. It was found that the degree of shell bioerosion increased considerably with scallop age.