Abstract
Unionid mussels are essential for the integrity of freshwater ecosystems but show rapid worldwide declines. The large-sized, thermophilic Chinese pond mussel Sinanodonta woodiana s.l., however, is a successful global invader, spread with commercially traded fish encysted with mussel larvae; its negative impacts on native mussels are expected. Here, we exploit a natural experiment provided by a simultaneous introduction of S. woodiana and four species of native unionids for water filtration to a pond in north-eastern Poland. Sinanodonta woodiana established a self-sustaining population and persisted for 19 years in suboptimal thermal conditions (mean annual temperature, 7.4 °C; mean temperature of the coldest month, − 3.7 °C, 73-day mean yearly ice-formation), extending the known limits of its cold tolerance. Over four study years, its frequency increased, and it showed higher potential for population growth than the native mussels, indicating possible future dominance shifts. Outbreaks of such sleeper populations are likely to be triggered by increasing temperatures. Additionally, our study documents the broad tolerance of S. woodiana concerning bottom sediments. It also points to the importance of intentional introductions of adult individuals and the bridgehead effect facilitating its further spread. We argue that S. woodiana should be urgently included in invasive species monitoring and management programmes.
Highlights
Unionid mussels provide vital services in freshwater ecosystems by contributing to water purification, nutrient circulation, bottom bioturbation and provision of h abitats[1]
We addressed the following hypotheses: (i) S. woodiana would persist and successfully reproduce despite the harsh climatic conditions; (ii) population structure would differ among species, with more dynamic recruitment in S. woodiana than the native mussels; (iii) spatial distribution would differ among species reflecting their habitat preferences, and S. woodiana would reach higher densities at sites with a sandy than a muddy bottom
Sinanodonta woodiana co-occurred with native unionids: Anodonta anatina, A. cygnea, Unio pictorum, and U. tumidus
Summary
Unionid mussels provide vital services in freshwater ecosystems by contributing to water purification, nutrient circulation, bottom bioturbation and provision of h abitats[1]. Sinanodonta woodiana has several preadaptations for a rapid and successful invasion It is a habitat generalist, inhabiting ponds, reservoirs, lakes, irrigation channels and r ivers[13], possibly with a preference for sandy bottom substrates[14]. The ability of S. woodiana to outcompete native mussels has been predicted based on its exceptional body-size, with a shell length reaching over 25 cm and total wet body mass over 1.5 kg[7,24], high filtration r ates[25], ability to induce cross-resistance in the host fish[26], and a possible role in transmitting parasites and d iseases[27,28] Despite these predictions, the impacts of S. woodiana on the population dynamics of native mussels, as far as we know, have not been studied before. Our study points to intentional introductions of adult S. woodiana individuals as an important route of dispersal of this invasive species
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
