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Ricciardi, A., 1996. Limnoperna fortunei (Mytilidae): The Next Macrofouling Mussel to Invade North America?, McGill University Abstract from The Sixth International Zebra Mussel and Other Aquatic Nuisance Species Conference, Dearborn, Michigan, March 1996 Limnoperna fortunei (Mytilidae): The Next Macrofouling Mussel to Invade North America?The history of the Dreissena and Corbicula invasions demonstrates the vulnerability of North American freshwater systems and industry to impacts from fouling bivalves. A review of the literature suggests that the Asian mytilid Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker), which is known to foul water supply systems in Hong Kong and Thailand, would likely cause significant economic and ecological impacts if it ever became introduced to North America. Limnoperna occurs in lakes and rivers throughout southeast Asia; the genus comprises several described species (L. fortunei, L. siamensis, L. depressa, and L. supoti) that differ marginally and are probably synonymous. Limnoperna fortunei is morphologically and ecologically similar to the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). The adult mussels (< 35 mm length) form dense clusters attached byssally to solid substrata. They are dioecious and reach sexual maturation in the first year of a 2-3 year life span. Spawning occurs at temperatures of 16-28°C, and external fertilization produces free-swimming veliger larvae that allow rapid colonization of downstream habitats. Although primarily a freshwater mollusc, L. fortunei tolerates high salinity and maintains large populations in estuarine habitats. It has recently invaded South America (presumably via shipping traffic between Hong Kong and Argentina), where it has established populations as dense as 80,000/m2 in littoral areas of the Rio de la Plata estuary. In its native range, L. fortunei lives at temperatures of 8-32°C; its North American distribution would thus be limited to the southern U.S., similar to the range occupied by the Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea). Because L. fortunei tolerates slightly lower calcium concentrations (< 10 mg/L) than the zebra mussel, it may invade habitats that are presently refugia for endangered unionid bivalves. Limnoperna is a fouling pest of reservoirs and water supply systems, and consideration should be given as to how to prevent this invasive mussel from becoming established in North America.
Keywords: Bivalve, Colonization, Basic_biology |