Vulnerability of microcrustaceans to predation by the invasive filter-feeding mussel Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker)

ROJAS MOLINA FLORENCIA; JOSÉ DE PAGGI SUSANA; BOLTOVSKOY DEMETRIO

MARINE AND FRESHWATER BEHAVIOUR AND PHYSIOLOGY

TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2011 vol. 44 p. 329 - 338

1023-6244

Limnoperna fortunei is an Asian mussel introduced to South America around 1990. One of the most important impacts of this invader is probably its grazing on the plankton. In this study we evaluate the vulnerability of several planktonic microcrustaceans from the Parana´ River floodplain to predation by adult L. fortunei. We conducted 2-h laboratory feeding experiments where the bivalves were offered microcrustaceans differing in overall body shape, size, and locomotive abilities. Ingestion and clearance rates for each taxon were estimated. Results suggest that, in addition to detritus and phytoplankton, microcrustaceans may be a very important food item for this invasive mollusc. Limnoperna fortunei can prey on larger organisms (up to 1100 mm) than Dreissena polymorpha, the European and North American invasive mussel.