Invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) threatens an exceptionally large population of the depressed river mussel (Pseudanodonta complanata) in a postglacial lake

Abstract

Freshwater mussels are in decline worldwide, with the depressed river mussel Pseudanodonta complanata being one of the rarest and most endangered species in Europe. Invasive mussels are suspected to be an important factor of decline, but there is little information on their interaction with native species. This study analyzed densities, depth distribution, and individual sizes and weights in one of the largest known populations of P. complanata in Europe in relation to the co‐occurring invasive zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and other mussel species, using a systematic transect analysis. Pseudanodonta complanata was the dominant unionid species in Lake Siecino reaching densities of up to 26 ind/m2, with half of the specimens found at a water depth of 2.0–4.0 m. Densities were highest on sandy substrates in areas of underwater currents. In contrast, 67% of native Unio tumidus were found at depths < 1 m, indicating different habitat preference. In the study area, 91% of P. complanata, 92% of U. tumidus, and all Anodonta individuals were fouled by D. polymorpha. The dreissenid:unionid mass ratio (mean ± SD; maximum) was 0.43 ± 0.56; 4.22 and 0.86 ± 1.87; 8.76 in P. complanata and U. tumidus, respectively. Pseudanodonta complanata fouled with D. polymorpha were impaired in their anchoring capability and had shell deformations potentially affecting shell closing and filtration activity. Fouling intensity was negatively correlated with unionid density, potentially leading to accelerated population declines. The observed adverse effects of invasive zebra mussels on the depressed river mussel and the difficulties in eradicating established populations of invasive mussels suggest that D. polymorpha should be considered a serious threat to P. complanata. Therefore, the further spread of zebra mussels into habitats with native unionids needs to be avoided by all means.

The Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) as a Model Organism for Ecotoxicological Studies: A Prior 1H NMR Spectrum Interpretation of a Whole Body Extract for Metabolism Monitoring

“…Combined with other approaches such as mussel behavior analyses [63] and physiological stress biomarkers [6][7][8][9], this could greatly increase the understanding of water contaminants' impacts on freshwater mussels. However, despite the interest of analyzing the metabolomic response of zebra mussels to ambient environmental conditions, this species is considered a major threat to native freshwater mussel species (e.g., [64]), and therefore should not be intentionally introduced into areas where they currently do not occur.…”

The role of anthropogenic habitats in freshwater mussel conservation

“…and D. polymorpha ; Jablonska et al, 2018; Labecka & Czarnoleski, 2019; Labecka et al, 2005). The presence of these non‐native species may directly or indirectly impair the survival of the native mussel species A. anatina , A. cygnea (protected in Poland), Unio tumidus and Unio pictorum (Ożgo et al, 2020). Particularly worrisome in anthropogenic habitats is S. woodiana , given their widespread distribution and because this species may reproduce continuously throughout the year (Labecka & Domagala, 2018), might even be many times more fecund compared to the native unionids (Labecka & Czarnoleski, 2019) and the presence of its glochidia on fish hosts can limit the metamorphosis of the co‐occurring larvae of native unionid species (Donrovich et al, 2017).…”

Distribution and potential impacts of non-native Chinese pond mussels Sinanodonta woodiana (Lea, 1834) in Bavaria, Germany

“…In Europe, both species are well established in many standing or slow flowing water bodies (see Karatayev et al 2005; Van der Velde et al 2010). Due to its ability to attach to solid objects using byssus threads, D. polymorpha can overgrow native bivalves, which can negatively affect the physiological condition of and also deform or at least overturn and thus kill these mussels (Ożgo et al 2020;Sousa et al 2011). Aside from this, the direct impact of dreissenid fouling on industrial and infrastructural facilities results in manifest technical and financial damage (Cuthbert et al 2021;Sousa et al 2014), which attracts widespread attention in society.…”