How the fluctuations of water levels affect populations of invasive bivalve Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) in a Neotropical reservoir?

Abstract

Corbicula fluminea is an invasive bivalve responsible for several environmental and financial problems around the globe. Despite the invasive potential of this species, it suffers certain restrictions in lentic environments due to natural phenomena that significantly affect its population structure (e.g. water column fluctuation and sunlight exposure). The present study addresses how temporal decline of the water level in a Neotropical reservoir and exposure to sunlight affect the population structure of C. fluminea. Samplings were carried out twice in the reservoir of Furnas Hydroelectric Power Station (HPS) (Minas Gerais, Brazil), in 2011 and 2012. Population density, spatial distribution and mean shell length of C. fluminea were estimated for each year after sampling in 51 quadrats (0.0625m 2 ) placed on three transects at different distances along the reservoir margins (0, 10 and 20 m from a fixed-point). We observed a predominance of C. fluminea in both years, with a simultaneous gradual decrease in density and richness of native species in the sampling area. Significant differences in density of C. fluminea were registered at different distances from the margin, and are related to the temporal variability of physical conditions of the sediment and water in these environments. We also registered a trend toward an increase in the density and aggregation of C. fluminea as we moved away from the margin, due to the greater stability of these areas (>10 m). The mean shell length of C. fluminea showed significant difference between the distinct distances from the margin and during the years, as well as the interaction of these factors (Distances vs.Years). These results were associated with the reproductive and invasive capacity of this species. This study reveals that these temporal events (especially water column fluctuation) may cause alterations in density, spatial distribution and mean shell length of C. fluminea and the composition of the native malacofauna in Neotropical lentic environments.Keywords: non-native species, desiccation, water column levels, ecological aspects, Furnas HPS reservoir. Como a flutuação dos níveis da água afetam as populações do bivalve invasorCorbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) em um reservatório neotropical? ResumoCorbicula fluminea é um bivalve invasor, responsável por inúmeros problemas ambientais e econômicos ao redor do mundo. Apesar de sua capacidade de invasão, a espécie sofre certas restrições devido a fenômenos naturais em ambientes lênticos, afetando significativamente sua estrutura populacional (e.g. flutuação do nível da água e a exposição à luz solar). O presente trabalho avaliou como o decréscimo temporal do nível da água de um reservatório neotropical e a exposição solar, afeta a estrutura populacional de C. fluminea. Duas amostragens foram realizadas no reservatório da Usina Hidrelétrica (UHE) de Furnas (Minas Gerais, Brasil), em 2011 e 2012. A densidade populacional, o comprimento médio e a distribuição espacial da espécie para cada ano foram estimados após ...

Growth parameters of the invasive gastropod <i>Melanoides tuberculata</i> (Müller, 1774) (Gastropoda, Thiaridae) in a semi-arid region, Northeastern Brazil

“…As the maturation of snails was anticipated (approximately 0.41 years, 13.20 mm) the species is already able to reproduce at reduced sizes, being capable of structure itself faster in the environment than native species. Invasive species may, thus, displace native species, due to the characteristics cited above (Paschoal et al, 2015). The high proportion of adults in the study area was also observed in other reservoirs of Brazil (Suriani et al, 2007;Santos & Eskinazi-Sant'Anna, 2010), highlighting the ecological risks that this species can play in environments.…”

“…The population of M. tuberculata was well established at the Cachoeira II reservoir, semi-arid Pernambuco state (Northeast Brazil). This was not a good news, once this invasive species is capable of repel native species, modify aquatic habitats and alter environment scenario (Santos et al, 2012), such as other invasive species: C. fluminea (Paschoal et al, 2015) and L. fortunei (Darrigran & Damborenea, 2006;Darrigran et al, 2007).This result could be related both to the environment aspects, since the species tolerates different substrates (having more affinity to the soft bottom substrate with the macrophytes presence), as well as to the biology of the species, characterized by rapid growth, early maturation and population composed mainly by adults.…”

“…The variation in the growth rate of the individuals can affect the survival and reproduction chances and has been an important component to be analyzed in population dynamics studies (Paschoal, Andrade, & Darringran, 2015). Therefore, is fundamental importance to establish patterns of growth for the species, in order to try to explain the relationship between the growth of individuals and the environment where they live (Darrigran, Damborenea, & Greco, 2007;Paschoal et al, 2015). In this sense, the growth patterns of M. tuberculata, as well as its population structure were determined, in a reservoir located in the semi-arid region, Northeast Brazil.…”

Variation in the distribution of Corbicula species (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Corbiculidae) after 25 years of its introduction in the Río de la Plata, Argentina

“…The population of C. fluminea in the late 1980's was increasing, right after its introduction into Río de la Plata River, but now, 25 years later, the population is in lower densities and individuals are on average smaller (less than 20 mm length), indicating that the population is shrinking. It is possible that a decrease in population density could be caused by environmental changes such as extreme variations in the water level (Paschoal et al 2015). However, such changes are temporal and the population usually recovers when conditions are reversed.…”

Phylogeographic patterns and demographic history of Pomacea canaliculata and Pomacea maculata from different countries (Ampullariidae, Gastropoda, Mollusca)

“…Freshwater ecosystems are especially vulnerable as a result of widespread human disturbance (Havel et al 2005;Turak et al 2016). Invasive bivalves are among the most successful invasive species in freshwater ecosystems (Ricciardi 2007;Oliveira et al 2011;Paschoal et al 2015;Ng et al 2018), which typically comprise r-selected species which adapt to colonize a wide range of aquatic environments and exhibit high fecundity, rapid growth, and broad physiological tolerance to several abiotic factors (Hayes et al 2015;Nakano et al 2015). Such characteristics allow them to become dominant species (Karatayev et al 2007).…”