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SUMMARY
Short-term (6 h) behavioural responses of Perna perna exposed to different concentrations (0,2, 0,4, 0,6, 0,8 ppm) of copper in sea-water (35‰) have been investigated. Perna does not respond to copper until exposed to 0,2 ppm. The initial response to all concentrations is a sharp adduction followed by a period of rapid valve movements. The animals never completely close their valves; nevertheless the heart rate gradually decreases suggesting isolation of tissues by use of the mantle edge. The responses exhibited by Perna are compared to those of other species.