Growth patterns of Mytilopsis leucophaeata, an invasive biofouling bivalve in Europe
Verween, A.; Vincx, M.; Degraer, S. (2006). Growth patterns of Mytilopsis leucophaeata, an invasive biofouling bivalve in Europe. Biofouling (Print) 22(4): 221-231. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08927010600816401
In: Biofouling. Taylor & Francis: Chur; New York. ISSN 0892-7014; e-ISSN 1029-2454
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Verween, A.; Vincx, M.; Degraer, S. (2007). Growth patterns of Mytilopsis leucophaeata, an invasive biofouling bivalve in Europe, in: Verween, A. Biologische kennis als een instrument voor een ecologische verantwoorde biofouling beheersing: een case study van de invasieve mossel Mytilopsis leucophaeata in Europa = Biological knowledge as a tool for an ecologically sound biofouling control: a case study of the invasive bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata in Europe. pp. 91-109, more
For the first time, growth of Mytilopsis leucophaeata, an important European fouling species, was investigated. By means of growth cages, individual shell growth of three cohorts, with, respectively, initial shell lengths of M. leucophaeata followed an oscillatory growth pattern with a single summer growing period per year (May to August). Growth decreased during wintertime, but never ceased completely. M. leucophaeata has an average growth rate of <3 - 6 mm year-1. Temperature was found to be the main environmental factor affecting growth. The von Bertalanffy growth function was used to model growth of individuals 19 mm with a growth rate of 0.41. Its longevity (more than 5 years) and the positive effect of higher water temperatures on growth, combined with its high resistance to chlorination, provides M. leucophaeata with a high potential for severe and long-lasting biofouling.
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