Black Mussel Research Articles

Sexual Maturation of Fan Mussel Pinna nobilis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in Experimental Cages in the Mali Ston Bay (South Adriatic Sea)

The research included 120 specimens of Pinna nobilis cultivated at a commercial park for oyster (Ostrea edulis) and black mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) cultivation. Research was carried out from 2012 to 2016, prior to the start of the mass extinction of fan mussel in the Mediterranean During the study period, the average sea temperature at a depth of 3 m was 14.87 ± 4.22 °C, ranging from 7.83 to 24.90 °C. The age of the specimens at the beginning of sexual maturity was approximately three years. The average length of the specimens throughout the study was 293.01 ± 16.58 mm. Gonad status was monitored monthly by sampling. The gender ratio in the study was 46 females (38.4%), 50 males (41.6%), and 24 undetermined individuals (20%). In our study, the results showed that males mature slightly earlier than females. The main spawning season occurred during the warmer part of the year when seawater exceeded 18 °C, starting in May and lasting until November. During the study, the GSI varied as expected and peaked in June (12.1), increasing from May to September.

Effects of microalgae diets on growth, proximate, and fatty acid composition of black mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis

AbstractThis study evaluates the growth, proximate, and fatty acid composition of black mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis fed four marine microalgae (Pavlova lutheri, Nannochloropsis oculata, Diacronema vlkianum and Rhinomonas reticulata) diets for 21 days. Black mussel is a common bivalve species that has been recognized as important for marine aquaculture with increasing production in the last two decades. The mussel group fed N. oculata showed a significantly lower survival rate than the other groups (p < 0.05). Shell height, length, and width of mussels were measured. The height and length of the mussel group fed N. oculata were statistically higher than other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Shell width did not show any significant differences among groups (p > 0.05). The microalgae N. oculata showed the highest protein content whereas P. lutheri had the highest crude lipid content among dietary treatments. The group fed P. lutheri showed significantly higher protein, lipid, and ash contents among experimental groups (p < 0.05). The D. vlkianum diet enhanced the highest docosahexaenoic acid level in black mussels. Black mussel fed P. lutheri showed the highest eicosapentaenoic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid levels. Arachidonic acid was found to be similar among experimental groups. In our study, P. lutheri and D. vlkianum had outstanding results on survival, growth, and essential fatty acid accumulation in mussel culture.

The Investigation of the Amount of Blue Crab Production Regarding Other Crustaceans and Molluscs’ Farming in Türkiye

The aim of this study was to examine the factors affecting the catch rate of crustaceans and molluscs and to determine the effect of factors affecting the catch rate of blue crab. In this study, data of 14 variables (octopus, lobster, black mussel, etc.), total crustacean and mollusc content and total freshwater fish were examined from the crustaceans and molluscs caught from the TUIK website between 2012-2021. In addition to the comparison of these amounts, variables such as renewable water resources per capita, renewable surface water, total water withdrawal per capita, and water withdrawal for aquaculture were included in the study. Finally, the study was concluded by comparing seafood, aquaculture and freshwater products. The relationships between blue crab and other crustaceans and molluscs, water related statistics, aquaculture statistics were examined by regression analysis. As a result of the analyzes made, other creatures that affect the hunting rates of the blue crab; It was concluded that there is a category of jumbo shrimp, cuttlefish and other. At the same time, it was concluded that the total amount of fresh water and the amount of freshwater products affect the catch rate of the blue crab.

The impacts of thermal heterogeneity across microhabitats on post-settlement selection of intertidal mussels

Rapid genetic selection is critical for allowing natural populations to adapt to different thermal environments such as those that occur across intertidal microhabitats with high degrees of thermal heterogeneity. To address the question of how thermal regimes influence selection and adaptation in the intertidal black mussel Mytilisepta virgata, we continuously recorded environmental temperatures in both tidal pools and emergent rock microhabitats and then assessed genetic differentiation, gene expression patterns, RNA editing level, and cardiac performance. Our results showed that the subpopulations in the tidal pool and on emergent rocks had different genetic structures and exhibited different physiological and molecular responses to high-temperature stress. These results indicate that environmental heterogeneity across microhabitats is important for driving genetic differentiation and shed light on the importance of post-settlement selection for adaptively modifying the genetic composition and thermal responses of these intertidal mussels.

Genome-wide sequencing identifies a thermal-tolerance related synonymous mutation in the mussel, Mytilisepta virgata

The roles of synonymous mutations for adapting to stressful thermal environments are of fundamental biological and ecological interests but poorly understood. To study whether synonymous mutations influence thermal adaptation at specific microhabitats, a genome-wide genotype-phenotype association analysis is carried out in the black mussels Mytilisepta virgata. A synonymous mutation of Ubiquitin-specific Peptidase 15 (MvUSP15) is significantly associated with the physiological upper thermal limit. The individuals carrying GG genotype (the G-type) at the mutant locus possess significantly lower heat tolerance compared to the individuals carrying GA and AA genotypes (the A-type). When heated to sublethal temperature, the G-type exhibit higher inter-individual variations in MvUSP15 expression, especially for the mussels on the sun-exposed microhabitats. Taken together, a synonymous mutation in MvUSP15 can affect the gene expression profile and interact with microhabitat heterogeneity to influence thermal resistance. This integrative study sheds light on the ecological importance of adaptive synonymous mutations as an underappreciated genetic buffer against heat stress and emphasizes the importance of integrative studies at a microhabitat scale for evaluating and predicting the impacts of climate change.

Clogging nets-Didemnum vexillum (Tunicata: Ascidiacea) is in action in the eastern Mediterranean

Abstract Didemnum vexillum is an aggressive, rapidly growing colonial ascidian and regarded as a global alien invasive species in temperate waters. It has recently become established in the western Mediterranean and the vectors of its introduction were assumed to be shipping or oyster trade. A dense settlement of it was encountered on nets of the bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) cages placed at 60–65 m depths off the İzmir Peninsula (eastern Aegean Sea, eastern Mediterranean) in December 2022. It had considerably clogged net's eye openings, hindering water circulations inside cages. It had a vertical distributional pattern on 35 m long-nets, occurring solely on depths from surface down to 15 m, around where a summer thermocline develops. It has entirely replaced the native black mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis on nets. This colonial ascidian changed the routine cleaning procedure of nets in the farming. Three possible ways of its introduction to the eastern Mediterranean were proposed, but the most reasonable one is its secondary transfer via nets or ships from Malta. Mechanisms of its invasion biology and behaviour should be studied and monitored in the region.

Comparison of Glycogen Content from Three Philippine Mussels

This study was conducted to measure and compare the glycogen content in three Philippine mussels of the family Mytilidae – Perna viridis, Mytella strigata, and Modiolus philippinarum. P. viridis, M. strigata, and M. philippinarum were collected from the provinces of Samar, Cavite, and Iloilo, respectively. P. viridis, locally known as "tahong," is cultured in the Philippines. M. strigata, known as "charru" or black mussel, has a distinct brown to black shell coloration that varies with age and is currently considered as an invasive species in the Philippines. Lastly, M. philippinarum mostly inhabits intertidal mudflats, that form extensive aggregates. These mussels are edible and are a well-known cheap source of animal protein. Extraction of glycogen involved mussel meat preparation, the addition of hydrolyzing agents, and precipitation. Results showed glycogen content varies in different species from 5.5–3.0% yield. This study is a contribution to the lack of recorded biological information regarding Philippine mussels in terms of biochemical content such as glycogen. This information can later be used to assess the mussels’ health, biological, and habitat ecological status.

Determination of tdh and trh Positive Vibrio alginolyticus Isolates from Black Mussel (Choromytilus meridionalis) in Aegean Sea coast of Turkey

Abstract: Vibrio alginolyticus is one of the important pathogens, especially found in bivalve mollusks and food poisoning in humans. The severity of food poisoning is directly proportional to the virulence genes of V. alginolyticus. Tdh-Related Hemolysin (trh) and Thermostable Direct Hemolysin (tdh) genes have an important place among the virulence genes found in V. alginolyticus. In this research, 17 V. alginolyticus were isolated from 17 orders (80.95%) of 21 sets of black mussels (Choromytilus Meridionalis) samples purchased from local divers in İzmir and Balıkesir regions. While trh gene was detected in 7 (42.17%) of 17 isolates, tdh gene was found in 6 (35.29%) and both trh and tdh genes were found in 2 (11.76%) isolates; no trh or tdh gene was found in 2 isolates (11.76%). The results of the study are also important in terms of public health. Black mussel is a product that is mainly consumed in coastal areas in Turkey and is mostly sold uncontrolled by mussel sellers. Vibrios with virulence genes can cause food poisoning, especially in summer. In addition, V. alginolyticus may be a tdh-trh reservoir for other vibrio species. To clarify this, more detailed research should be done with other vibrio species and other bivalve species.

Determination of the antimicrobial activity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from the Black sea mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819

The present study reports on the determination of the antimicrobial activity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the Black sea mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819. The samples were collected in the period of August 2018 until March 2021. The BIOLOG system was used for microbiological determination. From the mussel M. galloprovincialis Lam. four species of LAB were isolated - Sporolactobacillus kofuensis, Lactobacillus sakei, Streptococcus gallolyticus ss gallolyticus and Lactibacillus brevis. The activity of the strains was determined against test cultures (Escherichia coli 3398, Staphylococus aureus 745, Bacillus subtilis 6633, Salmonella typhimurium 3591, Listeria monocytogens 863 Enterobacter aerogenes 3691, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium claviforme, Saccharomyces cerevisae, Candida albicans 8673 and Candida glabrata 72). Before the analysis for antimicrobial activity, the LAB were cultured in media with different concentrations of sugars - 2, 5 and 10%. The results showed that 4 strains S. kofuensis, L. sakei, S. gallolyticus ss gallolyticus and L. brevis cultured on glucose and oligosaccharides completely lost their activity in all studied variants. Therefore, some carbohydrates (glucose) and oligosaccharides induce the synthesis outside the cell of biologically active molecules, which can probably be attributed to peptides/proteins.

Invasive black mussel (Mytella strigata) biofouling in brackish water cage fish farms

ABSTRACT The American brackish water mussel invaded Kerala’s backwaters in 2019, and a complete eradication may not be possible at this point. Management protocols and strategies need to be developed to overcome the issue. Biological management against biofouling is a new possible approach, although it needs to be sustainable in aquaculture, where the sustainability of the method is important. The present study reports the success of a biological management strategy against biofouling of Mytella strigata by employing a native cichlid Etroplus suratensis (pearlspot), as they feed on bivalves. The study was conducted in the brackish water cage farm of a 1 ha area located at Veerampuzha backwaters, Ernakulam, in the southwest of Kerala. Pearlspot fishes were stocked inside and also in the gap between inner and outer nets of the test cages as the anti-biofouling agent. Pearlspot grew considerably by feeding on the mussel spat settled on the nets and removing a considerable amount of the fouling on the nets (287%), the increases in the average growth of seabass, in the survival rate, and in overall production of the cages.

Investigation of the functional capacity of lyophilisate of Black Sea mussels in fructose-induced obesity

Investigation of the functional capacity of lyophilisate of Black Sea mussels in fructose-induced obesity

XenostrobusorVignadula(Bivalvia: Mytilidae)? A taxonomic re-evaluation of small black mussels inhabiting the upper intertidal zone of the estuaries of Southeast Asia

AbstractThe presence of small black mussels in the upper intertidal zone of estuarine seashores in Southeast Asia is often overlooked, despite their numerical dominance. Here, we clarify their species identities, taxonomy, geographical distributions and genetic relationships. Our molecular results suggest that three closely related species in East and Southeast Asia form a sister clade to Australian and New Zealand Xenostrobus. Given their distinctness, we resurrect the genus Vignadula to distinguish these two clades. Vignadula atrata, first described from Japan and type species of the genus, is confined to north-east Asia, whilst two other Vignadula species occur natively in Southeast Asia. Of these two species, one is found throughout Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Java. We show that this species corresponds to Xenostrobus balani and Xenostrobus mangle described from the Malacca Strait, which are genetically indistinguishable and here considered as one and the same species, Vignadula mangle comb. nov. The other species, Vignadula kuraburiensis sp. nov., described in this study, has so far been found only in south-west Thailand. Members of Vignadula are, in turn, all clearly different from their closest morphological equivalent in Australia, Xenostrobus pulex. A new subfamily Xenostrobinae is proposed to accommodate the two genera Xenostrobus and Vignadula.

Species Affiliation of the North-Western Region of the Black Sea Mussels Based on the Results of Molecular-Genetic Analysis

Species Affiliation of the North-Western Region of the Black Sea Mussels Based on the Results of Molecular-Genetic Analysis

The experimental study and modelling the drying kinetics of mussels using ultrasound assisted vacuum drying

In the present study, chemical compositions, drying kinetics, quality parameters and energy consumptions for mediterranean or black mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) subjected to ultrasound assisted vacuum drying (UAVD) were analyzed between the range of 50–70 ​°C. During drying only falling rate periods were observed. Obtained conclusions demonstrated that the moisture content and drying rate were influenced by the ultrasound assisted vacuum drying method and the drying air temperature. The ultrasound assisted vacuum drying shortened the drying period and increased the effective moisture diffusivity (Deff). Drying led to a considerable increasing of protein and fat content. Six well-known thin layer drying models were compared with regards to coefficients of determination. The Alibas model was selected as the best one. The activation energy was calculated as 3.80 ​kW/kg. High “L∗" and low "ΔE" values were obtained for dried mussels. Using of ultrasound assisted vacuum drying technique resulted in very low energy consumption.

Vacuum oven drying of mussels: mathematical modeling, drying characteristics and kinetics study

PurposeThe aim of this work was to study the effect of the different temperatures on drying kinetics and quality parameters of vacuum oven-dried mediterranean or black mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) specimens.Design/methodology/approachDrying process was performed at 50, 60 and 70 °C and a vacuum drying pressure of 0.1 kPa. The proximate composition analysis was done. Drying rates of the mussels were computed. Mathematical modeling was carried out. Effective moisture diffusivity, activation energy and total energy consumption were calculated. Color measurement was conducted.FindingsDrying took place entirely in the falling rate period. The obtained results indicated that the drying air temperature has a remarkable influence on the moisture content and drying rate. Drying resulted in a significant increasing of protein and fat content. The Deff values ranged from 1.44 × 10−9–3.23 × 10−9 m2/s, with the activation energy 4.47 kW kg−1. The Alibas model is the most proper model to define the drying curves. This method provided high energy efficiency and quality in dried products.Research limitations/implicationsFresh mussels grown in Eceabat location were used as the study sample. In the drying process, 50, 60, 70 °C temperatures and 0.1 kPa pressure was used. These are the limitations of the research.Originality/valueThis work is the first to report the influence of vacuum oven drying on the color changes and drying kinetics of black mussels.

Coastal foraging and transgressive sea levels during the terminal Pleistocene: Insights from the central west coast of South Africa

World shorelines were reconfigured after the Last Glacial Maximum due to rising sea levels. A few South African sites are known to document human adaptive responses on this trajectory, and Elands Bay Cave (EBC) is one among them. EBC faunal and cultural assemblages have been studied, but marine invertebrate remains have not received due attention until now. Successive stages of socio-economic and settlement changes moved in tandem with an approaching coastline. EBC chrono-stratigraphy shows an increasing use of the cave and a domestic character since ~13.2 cal BP when coastal foraging began. Terrestrial resources were common initially, but marine invertebrates were increasingly incorporated into peoples’ diet, with the heaviest predation and smallest limpet sizes by ~11.5 cal BP. Black mussels were dominant almost throughout and, because of unfavourable ecological conditions affecting their growth, sizes were small. Subsistence was reformulated immediately thereafter, around 10.9 cal BP, to include large quantities of marine and terrestrial vertebrates in order to satisfy the demands posed by frequent and long visits at EBC. Some visits seem to have had a ritual component associated with them, probably related to wide and active social networks. This trend ended ~9.0 cal BP when people stopped using EBC.

Determination of Ghost Fishing Starting Time by Four Different Baited Fish Traps in the Çanakkale Strait (North Aegean Sea)

In this study, the starting time of ghost fishing in baited fish traps were determined. Two separate trials using 4 different types of fish traps (foldable, conical, “O” shaped Round and cylindrical) were carried out in the Çanakkale Strait at a depth of 5m between July - December 2013. A total of 12 fish traps (3 for each trap type) were used in the study. Each trial lasted a period of 45 days. Major features of the traps were as follows: the foldable fish trap had “V” shaped inclined funnel; the conical fish trap had a conical entrance from the top; The “O” shaped fish trap had a “V” shaped entrance on the base; the cylindrical trap had a conical entrance on the side. In all trials fresh sardine, black mussel and bread placed in a net bag were used as bait and fixed in the traps. Underwater observations showed that fish entrapped in all trap types escaped from the traps within 8-10 days. Fish mortality was due to accidental entanglement of fish on the mesh material covering the traps or due to predation. Molluscs such as octopuses and squids escaped within 4-7 days whereas crabs suffered from cannibalism or starvation due to their lower escape rates. In conclusion, in the present study while trap ghost fishing for fish and cephalopods were not observed, ghost fishing for crabs were observed and was a factor of entrance design and location on traps.

Türkiye’nin İzmir ilinde marketlerden satın alınan dondurulmuş kara midyelerin (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Lamarck, 1819) mikrobiyolojik kalitesi

The purpose of this study was to examine the microbiological quality and consumer safety of frozen black mussels purchased from four different markets (A, B, C, D) in the İzmir Province of Turkey. A total of 36 frozen black mussel packages, which contained approximately 50 mussels in each, were purchased from the markets. They were not only examined for total mesophilic, psychrotrophic, coliform and fecal coliform bacteria count but also investigated for pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Vibrio spp. According to the results of the mesophilic bacteria counts, frozen black mussels did not exceed the microbiological limits set for safe consumption. The findings showed that frozen black mussels purchased from (A, B, C, D) of markets were safe for human consumption because pathogenic bacteria species such as E.coli, Salmonella spp., S. aureus, L. monocytogenes and Vibrio spp. were not present in the frozen mussel samples.

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF DIFFERENT EXTRACTS OF BLACK MUSSEL (MYTILUS GALLOPROVINCIALIS) FROM THE BLACK SEA, BULGARIA

Background: Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in sea bivalves, which are an inexpensive and easily accessible source of high-quality proteins, lipids and secondary metabolites with antimicrobial and anti-fungal potential. Farmed Black Sea mussel (M. galloprovincialis) are promising objects for the study of their antimicrobial potential. Purpose: The aim of this work is to determine the antibacterial activity of different extracts from the Black Sea mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis tissues by using the disc diffusion method with cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Material/Methods: Extraction of mussel tissues was done with different solvents: ethyl acetate (100%), methanol (100%), glycerol:water (50%, 1:1 v/v), ethanol (50%), acetone (70%), hot water. Antimicrobial activities of these extracts from Mytilus galloprovincialis was assessed by the disc-diffusion method. Results: Testing antibacterial activity of black mussels revealed that ethyl acetate extract showed the highest activity against Еscherichia coli (13 mm) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (11 mm) and no activity against Staphilococcus aureus. The glycerol: water extract showed growth inhibition effect against Staphylococcus aureus (11 mm) and Escherichia coli (10 mm), but no effect against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusions: The preliminary information presented in this study showed that the Black Sea farmed mussel could be an interesting source of antibacterial compounds. The glycerol-water extracts of Mytilus galloprovincialis had low antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and more important against Escherichia coli.

ЭЛЕМЕНТНЫЙ СОСТАВ ГОНАД, ПОЛОВЫХ ПРОДУКТОВ И ЛИЧИНОК ЧЕРНОЙ И КОРИЧНЕВОЙ МОРФ ДВУСТВОРЧАТОГО МОЛЛЮСКА MYTILUS GALLOPROVINCIALIS LAM.

Concentrations of the bulk and trace elements were determined in male and female gonads, gametes (sperm and eggs), and larvae (trochophores) of black and brown morphs of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The mollusks were collected in spring 2019 on a mussel-and-oyster farm (Black Sea, Crimea, Sevastopol, Karantinnaya Bay). In the male and female gonads of black and brown morphs, no statistically significant differences were detected in concentrations of the bulk structural elements (C, N, O, P, S), while in gametes and trochophores, these differences were significant. Trace elemental analysis revealed that in the female gonads of both black and brown morphs, Cu, Fe, and As were dominant, however in brown morphs, concentrations of these elements were significantly lower than in black mussels. Zn and Se concentrations in the gonads of black morphs were significantly higher than in brown mussels. Most of the statistically significant differences were found between trochophores and eggs of black vs. brown morphs. These data show that the two M. galloprovincialis morphs differ in their elemental composition.