Does the Clam <i>Mya truncata</i> Regenerate Its Siphon after Predation by Walrus? An Experimental Approach

Authors

  • Harold E. Welch
  • Kathleen Martin-Bergmann

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14430/arctic1606

Keywords:

Arctic, benthos, bivalves, walrus, Mya truncuta, energetics

Abstract

Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) prey extensively on the bivalve Mya truncata, removing the siphons. We performed a simple experiment whereby the siphons from 27 M. truncata were removed, 33 controls were left intact, and the clams left on the sea bottom for a year. All the damaged Mya died; all but 2 controls lived. We conclude that M. truncata whose siphons have been grazed by walrus die, leaving over half the clam to predators or scavengers.

 

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Published

1990-01-01