Mantle biopsy: a technique for nondestructive tissue-sampling of freshwater mussels

David J. Berg; Wendell R. Haag; Sheldon I. Guttman; James B. Sickel

Treesearch

Mantle biopsy: a technique for nondestructive tissue-sampling of freshwater mussels

Informally Refereed

Authors:

David J. Berg, Wendell R. Haag, Sheldon I. Guttman, James B. Sickel

Year:

1995

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Southern Research Station

Source:

J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc. 1995, 14(4):577-581

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Abstract

Mantle biopsy is a means of obtaining tissue samples for genetic, physiological, and contaminant studies of bivalves; but the effects of this biopsy on survival have not been determined. We describe a simple technique for obtaining such samples from unionacean bivalves and how we compared survival among biopsied and control organisms in field experiments. Survival was not significantly different between treatment and control groups. Power estimates for these results were between 0.42 and 0.73. Results were similar among species and among habitats. Mantle biopsy is a technique that allows genetic, biochemical, and contaminant studies of mussel populations when destruction of individuals should be avoided.

Keywords

Unionidae, nondestructive sampling, freshwater mussels, endangered species, mantle biopsy, Actinoais, Quadrula

Citation

Berg, David J.; Haag, Wendell R.; Guttman, Sheldon I.; Sickel, James B. 1995. Mantle biopsy: a technique for nondestructive tissue-sampling of freshwater mussels. J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc. 1995, 14(4):577-581