Abstract
Densities of planktonic larvae of the Asian freshwater invasive pest bivalve Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker) were monitored weekly between 19 September 1997 and 22 January 1999 at two sites: the Parana de las Palmas river, ca. 130 km north of Buenos Aires (33°57.5′ S, 59°12.5′ W), and a coastal station on the Rio de la Plata estuary, in Buenos Aires (34°33.5′ S, 58°24.5′ W). Very variable but generally high (up to 25 000–35 000 ind. m−3) concentrations were recorded at both sites in September 1997-April 1998, and again in August 1998–January 1999, suggesting continuous reproduction during these months. In May through July 1998 larval densities were generally below 100-200 ind. m−3. The threshold temperature level associated with the onset and termination of reproduction was ca. 16–17 °C. With the exception of August-September 1998, when Rio de la Plata temperatures were below 16.7 °C and larval concentrations less than 1000 ind. m−3, whereas those of the Parana were above 16.7 °C, with 1300–13 000 larvae m−3, coupling between the two sites investigated was generally good. Since its invasion in Argentina around 1990, L. fortunei has rapidly become a major nuisance for industrial and power plants located along the lower Parana and Rio de la Plata. The fact that the mollusc produces larvae during 9 months per year greatly hinders its control.
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