Dynamics of Mud Blister Worm Infestation and Shell Repair by Oysters.

AbstractMud blister worms bore into oyster shells; and oysters respond to shell penetration by secreting new layers of shell, resulting in mud blisters on inner surfaces of oyster shells. We conducted two experiments in off-bottom oyster farms along Alabama's coast in summer 2017 to explore the dynamics of worm infestation, blister formation, and shell repair. Results support our hypothesis that only a small proportion of worms that bore into oysters cause blisters.