I missed Peter Froehlich's message so this may be moot - are you certain you
will see a degradation of motility after algal colonization?  One thing I
learned early was to expect the unexpected.  It is good to have an idea
about what one "might" see but it shouldn't blind one as to what one "could"
see.
 
Charles
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists of America List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Andrew K. Rindsberg
Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 1998 9:43 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Donax variabilis
 
[...]
Peter Froehlich's notes on Donax variabilis with attached algae make a good
example. Here, he brings our attention to an observation (algae on Donax
variabilis), but is not content simply to report the fact. He confronts
this fact with a well-known bit of lore (Donax moves up and down the beach
during the tidal cycle) to ask a reasonable question: Can Donax still move
effectively after it has been colonized by algae?
 
This is a good, solid question about an abundant species that is widespread
on southeastern U.S. shores. The answer will be of interest to a lot of
Conchlers, and not just the Americans. Unless I am mistaken, it does not
have a simple or immediate answer. Someone will have to investigate the
Donax in its native beaches.
[...]