The ecology of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in the lower Great Lakes of North America:: I.: Population dynamics and growth

Five populations of Dreissena polymorpha from three lakes (Lake Sr. Clair, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario) in the lower Great Lakes Region were examined from 1992 to 1994 to determine the population dynamics, reproductive cycle, secondary production, and the allocation of resources to somatic tissue, shell, and gamete production. In this paper data are presented on the population dynamics, including demography and density, and variation in shell length, somatic tissue, and gonad weight. There was much variation in life span, density, and growth among sites, however, variation was much greater among sires in different lakes. The lifespan of D. polymorpha was estimated between 2 and greater than 4 years, depending on the site. Growth in shell length was related so food supply, temperature, and the age structure of individuals at a given site. Shell growth of year one individuals ranged from 0.5 mm to 11.2 mm. There was no correlation between somatic tissue growth and gonad tissue growth, suggesting differential allocation of resources.