 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
||
Largemouth Bass | Hybrid Striped Bass | Hake | Trout | Haddock | Perch | Flounder | Koi Mussels also initially fasten themselves by byssal threads to substrate or vegetation at metamorphosis. Like scallops, recent evidence has revealed a close relationship between blue mussels and eelgrass during early life stages. Unlike scallops, maturing mussels reattach themselves to a hard substrate, often other mussels, continuously for the remainder of their lives. If stressed, matured mussels can detach themselves and subsequently re-attach their byssal threads after finding a more desirable location. All stages of mussel development appear to be influenced by water temperature. Mussels will spawn at temperatures between 62- 80 degrees F., but will spawn almost continually when the temperatures remain in the 75 degree vicinity. The larvae are free-swimming, and may attach several times by means of byssal threads until a desirable location (one that is abundant in food and maintains water temperatures above 65 degrees seem to be favored) is located. Mussels grow most quickly when continually immersed in water since they can almost constantly feed. Once permanently set, the competition for space is vigorous. It is common to find mussels growing in layers of other mussels, both naturally in intertidal and sub-littoral levels, and when cultured on lines. Mussels grown in water temperatures above 65 degrees mature more quickly than those grown in colder waters, maturing in less than a year. Below that range, mussels may take up to two years to reach market size. *Information found at the Massachusetts White Paper
| 
| |
|
||