Population density and biomass of the bivalves Tellina mariae and Katelysia rhytiphora from a seagrass bed in Western Port, Victoria

Summary

Each month from March 1976 to March 1977, samples of the bivalves Tellina mariae and Katelysia rhytiphora were taken from an intertidal seagrass bed in Western Port, Victoria. T. mariae was the more abundant species and had a mean monthly population density of 48 individuals/m² and a mean monthly population biomass of 5.53 g dry fresh weight/ m² K. rhytiphora had a mean monthly population density of 17 indi viduals/m² and a mean monthly biomass of 2.33 g dry flesh weight/m². The Tellina population was dominated by small individuals. In contrast, the Katelysia population was dominated by large individuals. Possible reasons for this difference in population structure are discussed.