Variations in retention efficiency of bivalves to different concentrations and organic content of suspended particles

Retention efficiencies (RE) of scallop (Chlamys farreri), oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and mussel (Mytilus edulis) in a flow-through system were measured to understand the short-term response to various particle and organic matter concentrations. By comparing the RE of C. farreri with that of C. gigas and M. edulis, we gained further knowledge on the feeding physiological characteristics of C. farreri and ascertained the possible cause of high summer mortalities of this species. The experimental feeding conditions included natural differences in the abundance and composition of suspended seston, as well as conditions in which seston abundance and composition were manipulated by adding natural silt or cultured microalgae. The results show that in natural sea water, the minimum particle size for maximal retention in M. edulis, C. gigas and C. farreri was approximately 4, 6, and 8 μm, respectively; the RE of 2-μm (equivalent spherical diameter) particles was 17%, 19%, and 8%, respectively; and the relative standardized RE was 58%, 49%, and 18%, respectively. In C. gigas and M. edulis, the minimal particle size for maximal retention did not change with food quality (organic content). C. farreri was more sensitive to fluctuations in particle concentration and organic content. With particle concentration increase, the minimal particle size for maximal retention in scallop shifted to large particles and the RE for 2-μm particle decreased from 8% in natural seawater to 1.6%–6% in silt-enriched groups. With organic content increase, the minimal particle size for maximal retention shifted from 8 to 5 μm in natural seawater.Variation in RE of C. farreri with food conditions and the relationship between lower RE and smaller particle size may hamper C. farreri from food taking due to the decrease in the size distribution of phytoplankton in Sungo Bay.