Quagga mussels Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (Andrusov, 1897) in the Main River (Germany)

Gerard Van Der Velde

doi:10.3391/ai.2007.2.3.11

Abstract

The first record of the quagga mussel Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (Andrusov, 1897) in Germany is described. This species has expanded its distribution area in Europe at a slower rate than the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771). Recent records from the Danube in Romania and from an enclosed Rhine-Meuse estuary in The Netherlands, suggest that the Main-Danube canal and River Rhine have functioned as the dispersal pathway of the quagga mussel to The Netherlands. The record of this species in the River Main supports this hypothesis.

Highlights

The quagga mussel Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (Andrusov, 1897) was until early twenty-first century a slower invader than the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771)
The quagga mussel was recognized for the first time in the Great Lakes in 1991 (Spidle et al 1994)
Zhulidov et al (2004) mentions some characteristics of D. rostriformis bugensis which seems to be important in this process, viz. a better ability than D. polymorpha to cope with low food conditions and high temperatures

Summary

Introduction

The quagga mussel Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (Andrusov, 1897) was until early twenty-first century a slower invader than the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771). Both mussel species originate from the Ponto-Caspian area. It invaded the Great Lakes area of North America probably simultaneous with the zebra mussel (1987), most likely as larvae via ballast water discharge.

Results

Conclusion