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Co-existence of two mytilid species in a heterogeneous environment: mortality, growth and strength of shell and byssus attachment

2012; Inter-Research; Volume: 476; Linguagem: Inglês

10.3354/meps10122

1616-1599

José M. F. Babarro, M. J. Abad,

Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 476:115-128 (2013) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps10122 Co-existence of two mytilid species in a heterogeneous environment: mortality, growth and strength of shell and byssus attachment Jose M. F. Babarro1,*, María José Abad2 1Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas CSIC, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain 2Grupo de Polímeros (CIT), Campus de Esteiro, C/Dr Vázquez Cabrera s/n, 15403 Ferrol, A Coruña, Spain *Email: jbabarro@iim.csic.es ABSTRACT: The co-existence patterns of 2 mytilid species were studied in order to evaluate the performance of the alien mussel Xenostrobus securis and the indigenous Mytilus galloprovincialis through monospecific and mixed co-habiting experiments in the Ría de Vigo (northwest Spain). Mytilus galloprovincialis was found to be the best performer in all tests. Shell growth was ~4-fold greater for the indigenous mussel when deployed without interspecific competition and regardless of density. Differences in shell growth were found to be similar within mixed populations wherein M. galloprovincialis showed greater ability for upward migratory movements on the mixed beds and distanced itself from the mud influenced layer. The alien X. securis, however, was found to inhabit underneath the M. galloprovincialis layer, which resulted in higher mortality rates. Species-specific features such as byssus filaments and lifestyle may account for such different behaviour. M. galloprovincialis secreted thicker and stronger shells and byssus regardless of their density in both monospecific and mixed experiments. This might indicate that the indigenous mussel performs better when confronted with abiotic stress or biotic pressure. The alien X. securis is currently found to establish high-density patches of individuals at the confluence of main rivers that flow into the estuary (highly heterogeneous scenario). Such behaviour favours its settlement far from the native mussel influence area. X. securis also colonises hard substrates that are not-fully occupied by other invertebrates, but its range was found to be limited by the presence of the indigenous mussel. KEY WORDS: Mytilus galloprovincialis · Xenostrobus securis · Limnoperna · Performance · Competition · Plasticity · Byssus Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Babarro JMF, Abad MJ (2013) Co-existence of two mytilid species in a heterogeneous environment: mortality, growth and strength of shell and byssus attachment. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 476:115-128. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps10122 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 476. Online publication date: February 27, 2013 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2013 Inter-Research.