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

0361518 - ÚBO 2013 RIV NL eng J - Journal Article
Douda, K. - Vrtílek, Milan - Slavík, O. - Reichard, Martin
The role of host specificity in explaining the invasion success of the freshwater mussel Anodonta woodiana in Europe.
Biological Invasions. Roč. 14, č. 1 (2012), s. 127-137. ISSN 1387-3547. E-ISSN 1573-1464
R&D Projects: GA AV ČR KJB600930802
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60930519
Keywords : aquatic habitat * Bivalvia * host-parasite relationship * host specificity * Mollusca
Subject RIV: EG - Zoology
Impact factor: 2.509, year: 2012

We investigated invasion potential of Anodonta (Sinanodonta) woodiana, a species of unionid mussel that has recently become established worldwide despite having an obligatory parasitic stage termed glochidium that must encyst on host fish. Its invasion success has been attributed to the success of its co-invasive hosts, mainly carp species of Asian origin. However, using experimental infections we found that A. woodiana is a broad generalist and can complete its development on all eight freshwater fish host species tested, either co-invasive or native. From monthly collected field data on egg and glochidia development, we did not detect any apparent limitation of A. woodiana reproduction by ambient temperature under typical conditions of a Central European lowland river. Consequently, we predict further invasion of A. woodiana. We discuss other potential consequences of A. woodiana invasion.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0198817