The role of host specificity in explaining the invasion success of the freshwater mussel Anodonta woodiana in Europe

Abstract

Several freshwater mussel species represent some of the most problematic invasive species and have considerably altered ecosystems worldwide. Their invasion potential has been partially attributed to their free-living larvae, which have a high dispersal capability. We investigated the invasion potential of Anodonta (Sinanodonta) woodiana, a species of East Asian unionid mussel established worldwide despite having an obligatory parasitic stage (glochidium), which must encyst on host fish. The invasion success of A. woodiana has been attributed to the success of worldwide introductions of its sympatric fish hosts. We experimentally found, however, that A. woodiana is a broad host generalist, which can complete its development on all eight fish species tested, both coinvasive and native. Subsequently, we used a data on the occurrence and relative abundance of potential hosts in river habitats in the Czech Republic to project scenarios of the effect of host availability on A. woodiana invasion. We found that host availability does not constitute a major limit for A. woodiana to colonise most aquatic habitats in Central Europe. In addition, we investigated seasonal dynamics of A. woodiana reproduction and did not detect any limitations of its reproduction by ambient water temperatures typical of a Central European lowland river. Consequently, we predict that A. woodiana may further increase the speed and range of its invasion and we discuss possible consequences to native habitats and communities, especially to the endangered species of unionid mussels.

Infestation ofLernaea cyprinacea(Copepoda: Lernaeidae) in two invasive fish species in Romania,Lepomis gibbosusandPseudorasbora parva

“…In fact, similar low levels of prevalence and intensity of L. cyprinacea infection in P. parva to those in our study have been reported in the literature (Margaritov and Kiritsis, 2011). The above-mentioned parasite resistance actually refers to the resistance to the possible damaging effects of the parasite, the topmouth gudgeon being otherwise known as a healthy carrier for different parasite species (Spikmans et al, 2013) or being a host for Unonid glochidia, a relation which some authors define more as commensalism (phoresy) than parasitism (Douda et al, 2012). Secondly, we have a host-parasite combination, L. gibbosus and L. cyprinacea, which have lived in sympatry in Europe for more than 100 years, and a newly arrived host species population (P. parva).…”

Spread and distribution pattern ofSinanodonta woodianain Lake Balaton

“…• C. Host specificity is low and European native fish species might serve as potential hosts (Douda et al, 2012). It has been experimentally proven that glochidia might attach to juvenile fish, causing direct mortality (Báskay et al, 1996), resulting in economic loss in fish hatcheries.…”

The ecology of freshwater bivalves in the Lake Sapanca basin, Turkey

“…Carassius species in particular have spread extensively in Turkish waters (Tarkan et al, 2012) and C. gibelio is known to occur in Lake Sapanca (A.S. Tarkan, unpublished data), and is also distributed throughout the country, raising the possibility that A. woodiana may be more widespread in the region than this single case might suggest. A recent study on the invasion success of A. woodiana demonstrated that it is a successful invasive species tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions (Douda et al, 2012). Monitoring of freshwaters in the vicinity of Lake Sapanca and elsewhere in western Turkey is warranted to measure the potential spread of this species.…”