Locomotion in Elliptio complanata (Mollusca: Unionidae): a reproductive function?

1. Temporal variation in the spatial aggregation of the freshwater bivalve Elliptio complanata was studied at a sandy site in an oligotrophic lake over three years. 2. Epibenthic populations varied in aggregation over the season bringing animals closer together during spawning. The complex link between movements of mussels and aggregation dynamics suggested a functional reproductive role for horizontal locomotion of unionid mussels in lentic systems. 3. The rate of locomotion did not differ systematically among males, females or hermaphrodites, and was independent of gravidity, whether compared during spawning, after spawning or throughout the ice-free season. 4. In spite of the high reproductive output of mussels and the energetic cost of locomotion, no relationship was found between the rate of movement of spawning gravid mussels and reproductive output.