The invasive bivalves Dreissena polymorpha and Limnoperna fortunei: parallels, contrasts, potential spread and invasion impacts.

KARATAYEV, ALEXANDER; BOLTOVSKOY, DEMETRIO; PADILLA, DIANNA; BURLAKOVA, LYUBOV

JOURNAL OF SHELLFISH RESEARCH

National Shellfisheries Association, USA

Lugar: New Jersey; Año: 2007 vol. 26 p. 205 - 213

0730-8000

We contrast ecological and life history traits of the well studied zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) with the lesser known golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) to compare salient biological traits and environmental limits, and to predict the potential spread and ecosystem impacts of L. fortunei.  Both species are sessile, byssate bivalves with a planktonic larval stage and extremely high reproductive capacity.  For both species adults attain much higher density and biomass than all native invertebrates combined, physically changing the substrate.  Both are very active suspension feeders, greatly enhancing benthic-pelagic coupling and acting as effective ecosystem engineers.  Although taxonomically unrelated their ecosystem impacts are surprisingly similar and more likely following from the novel ecological niche they share, rather than being species specific.  The golden mussel has broader environmental tolerance limits and may therefore be a much more successful invader than D. polymorpha in regions dominated by acidic, soft and contaminated waters.  In the near future L. fortunei may colonize the southern and central parts of North America, much farther north than was predicted.  Although to date the zebra mussel is considered the most aggressive freshwater invader, soon many waterbodies may receive another, even more aggressive invader.