The biology and functional morphology of Mytilopsis sallei (Recluz) (Bivalvia: Dreissenacea) fouling Visakhapatnam Harbour, Andhra Pradesh, India
In: Journal of Molluscan Studies. Oxford University Press: Reading. ISSN 0260-1230; e-ISSN 1464-3766, more
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| Keyword |
Mytilopsis sallei (Récluz, 1849) [WoRMS]
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| Abstract |
Mytilopsis sallei (Récluz) (Dreissenacea) has been introduced into Visakhapatnam harbour, India. The normal distribution of the species is Central America and it is here contended that the species has been introduced into the Indo-Pacific via the Panama canal (opened in 1915) attached to the hulls of ships. M. allyneana (Hertlein & Hanna) with a distribution restricted to Fiji is considered synonymous with M. sallei.The literature on M. sallei is reviewed and it is shown that the species has wide temperature, salinity and oxygen tolerances and thus transport across a variety of water masses is entirely feasible. The species also possesses a fast rate of growth, a high fecundity and matures early. It is an opportunistic species which free from the restraints that normally hold it in check in its natural environment, poses a serious fouling threat to harbours throughout the Indo-Pacific and to the endemic fauna. The morphological adaptations of M. sallei are also described and compared with those of Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas) in particular and other fouling bivalves in general. The species is ideally adapted to life in turbid estuaries experiencing wide variations in temperature, salinity, oxygen and turbulence. A warning against further introductions is given. |
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