Ecology of the wood-boring Bivalve Martesia striata (Pholadidae) in Indian waters

Abstract

Martesia striata (Linnaeus) is one of the dominant wood-boring organisms found in Indian waters. Incidence of this organism in the Zuari estuary (Goa) was evaluated by exposing wooden panels (Mangifera indica) to the marine environment between January 1996 and January 1997. Effects of salinity variation on embryonic and larval development were evaluated (salinity 0, 10, 20, 30, 35, 40 and 50, temperature 25 °C) and maximum metamorphic success was observed at 30 salinity. Results of the rearing experiments, destruction pattern of wood in the environment and reproductive biology indicate that although recruitment is halted during the monsoon, adults survive and become reproductively mature in the following post-monsoon, leading to increased recruitment during pre-monsoon months.