Distribution and colonization of Limnoperna fortunei: special traits of an odd mussel

BOLTOVSKOY DEMETRIO

Limnoperna fortunei: the ecology, distribution and control of a swiftly spreading invasive fouling mussel

Springer International Publishing

Lugar: Cham; Año: 2015; p. 301 - 311

The invasional success of Limnoperna fortunei was largely determinedby the combination of two key components. One of them is rare biological traits ofthe species, generally unfavorable in freshwater bivalves: the possession of planktoniclarvae and a sessile, byssate adult. The other component is man?s extensivemodification of landscapes, in particular construction of reservoirs, large interbasinconnections?canals and aqueducts and freshwater navigation. This combinationwas instrumental for the fast dispersal and success of a species that would otherwisehave remained inconspicuous and restricted geographically. Environmental tolerance,while helpful, was probably of lesser importance. Possession of planktoniclarvae results in a significant advantage for adults that manage to travel upstream,but is a major limitation for those that settle too close to the river outlet into the seabecause their offspring are doomed due to expatriation into saline waters. Shortrivers are therefore less vulnerable to colonization by self-sustaining populations,especially if there are no lakes or reservoirs along their path that can serve as refugeand seeding grounds for reproducing adults. In South America, interbasin spreadhas not occurred as fast as anticipated, but will most probably continue increasing.