Seasonal settlement of shipworms (Bivalvia: Teredinidae) in Tauranga Harbour and Wellington Harbour

Abstract

The seasons of settlement of shipworms in Tauranga and Wellington harbours in 1970–72 were studied using Pinus radiata test‐blocks. At Wellington the seasonal abundance of late‐stage shipworm larvae was monitored in the plankton. In Tauranga Harbour Bankia australis, Lyrodus medilobatus, Lyrodus pedicellatus, and Nototeredo edaxspawned and settled predominantly in summer, when water temperatures were above 17–18°C. Bankia neztalia had peak periods of settlement in winter and early summer and there was no correlation of settlement with water temperature. In Wellington Harbour B. neztalia spawned and settled mainly during winter when water temperatures were 11–15°C. Total larval abundance at the 2 test sites in Wellington Harbour was an approximate indication of the relative intensity of settlement, but seasonal larval abundance did not correlate well with seasonal settlement. B. neztalia larvae settled on air‐dried Pinus radiata wood within 6 days of the immersion of the wood. Annual variations in patterns of settlement of shipworms in the 2 harbours are related to variations in water temperatures.

Keywords:

• Teredinidae
• shipworms
• Tauranga Harbour
• Wellington Harbour
• seasonal settlement

Notes

Present address: Fisheries Research Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, P.O. Box 19062, Wellington, New Zealand