A new record of Mytilopsis leucophaeata (Bivalvia: Dreissenidae) in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

The spreading of the invasive bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata (Dreissenidae) into estuaries of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“…Larges hells are often clearer (sometimes whitish-green), possibly due to the loss of periostracum and of the typical zigzag pattern of younger specimens (Figure 3a-c). Shell outline and apophysis morphology ( Figure 3d) fit previous descriptions of this species (Marelli & Gray 1983, Rizzo et al 2014, Fernandes et al 2018. The colonization of M. leucophaeata in Marapendi Lagoon is mainly on mangrove roots, forming dense aggregates (Figure 2b-e), but it was also found in artificial hard substrata such as piers.…”

“…The continuous investigation about range expansion of invasive species is necessary, especially if complemented by other studies such as population dynamics and genetic variability of the introduced populations. However, more rigor on the inspection of vectors of long or small distances to avoid the dispersal of Mytilopsis specimens is an urgent need (Rizzo et al 2014, Fernandes et al 2018, requiring a partnership with public organs in order to achieve substantial results. Focusing on the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, the assessment of benthic fauna in estuaries not yet invaded by M. leucophaeata, such as those in 'APA Guapimirim' and Tijuca-Jacarepaguá lagoon complex, would be desirable prior to a possible arrival of this unwanted guest.…”

“…Medium or small-scale dispersion of M. leucophaeata may occur through the incrustation of specimens on the hull of boats or other vectors. In the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, several estuaries are found near Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, increasing the propagation risks of this biological invasion through man-made vectors or even larval dispersal (Rizzo et al 2014, Fernandes et al 2018. The present study aimed to ascertain whether or not M. leucophaeata reached other estuaries in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, after an extensive field survey.…”

“…Based on published data, the invasion of M. leucophaeata in Rio de Janeiro is restricted to the Rodrigo de Freitas coastal lagoon (Rizzo et al 2014, Fernandes et al 2018, where it forms large clusters in rocky/woody substrata and others, such as styrofoam, plastic packaging, tires and buoys (Rizzo et al 2014). Mytilopsis leucophaeata is believed to not colonize mangrove roots in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon (Rizzo et al 2014), contrary to some native sites, where it may form dense aggregates in roots of Rhizophora mangle L. (Odum & Heald 1972, Pérez-Sarabia et al 2012, Ruiz & López-Portillo 2014, Hernández et al 2015.…”

Plasticity To Environmental Conditions And Substrate Colonization Mediates The Invasion of Dreissenid False Mussels In Brackish Systems

“…Invasive dreissenid mussels often lter large volumes of water (e.g. Horgan and Mills 1997;Baldwin et al 2002;Vanderploeg et al 2010) and attach to different natural and arti cial hard substrata through byssal threads, reaching high densities in invaded areas (Ricciardi et al 1997;Sousa et al 2009;Kennedy 2011;Rizzo et al 2014;Tan and Tay 2018). Dreissenid mussels may also tolerate wide ranges of temperature and salinity (Rajagopal et al 2005;Verween et al 2007Verween et al , 2010, which makes them a well succeeded aquatic invasive species.…”