Host fish status of native and invasive species for the freshwater mussel Anodonta anatina (Linnaeus, 1758). (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huber, Verena; Geist, Juergen
• Is Part Of: Biological conservation. Volume 230(2019)
• Page Start: 48
• Page End: 57
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: Host-parasite relationship -- Freshwater mussels -- Invasive species -- Glochidial infestation -- Conservation; Conservation of natural resources -- Periodicals; Nature conservation -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 333.9516
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2018.12.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3207

Abstract

Abstract: The worldwide extinction of species especially affects freshwater ecosystems. Even widespread species like the European freshwater duck mussel Anodonta anatina face population declines in many countries and regions. Due to an obligate parasitic phase in its life cycle, knowledge on host fish use is essential for effective conservation of A . anatina . Therefore, in this study host suitability of ten different fish species (native and invasive to Europe) from four different fish families was tested by simultaneously infesting them with the glochidia of A . anatina . Nine out of ten fish species were identified as suitable hosts, but infestation rates, duration of metamorphosis phase as well as duration and rate of juvenile mussel excystment differed significantly between all host species. The bitterling ( Rhodeus amarus ) was the only fish species with no juvenile mussel excystment. Surprisingly, one of the tested invasive fish ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ) turned out to be the second best host for the larvae of A . anatina, suggesting that the general assumption that non-native fishes would be a threat to native mussel populations no longer holds true. Compared to the second native Anodonta species in Europe ( Anodonta cygnea ), this study revealed that A . anatina had higher infestation rates and rates of juvenile mussels excystment as well as a different host compatibility than A . cygnea . These findings illustrate that species-specific assessments of host suitability form an urgent basis for evidence-based conservation and restoration of freshwater mussel populations and the ecosystem services they provide. Highlights: We evaluated the host status of ten different fish species for Anodonta anatina . Infestation, duration of metamorphosis and excystment varied widely among hosts. The non-native grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ) was one of the best hosts. Even closely related species differ in host use patterns and larval development. Mussel conservation and breeding must better consider differential host suitability.