The research presented here examined how mussels behave in different seasons and how their interactions with each other are affected by changes in the natural environment. Why is it that a mussel responds differently when environmental conditions are different. Is that an effect of food, of temperature or of food quality? Mussels live in groups, are site-specific and their behavior, growth and survival is influenced by the environment, such as how much food is available, the temperature of the water and how strong the current is. The density in which the mussels live is an important factor in this. At low density, they get in each other’s way less and there is more food to distribute. A high density actually creates more competition among the mussels, but on the other hand, the mussels are better protected from being washed away or from being eaten by crabs, for example.
To read more about this see: https://schelpdieren.com/2023/10/30/seizoenswisselingen-en-mosselgedrag-gedraagt-een-mossel-zich-anders-in-de-zomer-dan-in-de-winter/