Kazankova I. Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam. settlements formation on artificial substrates at the southern and south-western shores of the Crimea

Monitiring of quantity of mussel and other Bivalvia larvae on different stages of development; of mussel settling on artifitial substratum; of mussel growth speed; of mussel quantity and phenetical composition on collectors was conducted. It allowed to define the basic features of mussel settlements forming on artificial substratum near Crimea coasts. The features of pelagic bivalvia larvae distribution of the two spatio-temporal complexes (the larvae of mussel are included in one of which) are shown. It is certain that the larvae of each bivalvia species are concentrated in that water depth which corresponds the depth of shelf area where basic part of shellfish population is concentrated. The connection of mussel settling dynamics with upwelling and downwelling events is exposed. It is shown that in spring in Crimean-shore waters the mussel larvae of fall-winter generation can be the basic source of settling spat. Influence of the depth and mussels own length on its growth speed is certained in different seasons. The correlation dynamics of two colour morphs mussels number on collectors since spat is certain.