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Mysterious blue-purple mussel: What are the unique ecological characteristics of Mytilus galloprovincialis?
The Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) is a marine bivalve belonging to the family Mytilidae. Not only is it considered an invasive species in many parts of the world, it has also become a popular target for aquaculture. The role of this bluish-purple mussel in the ecosystem and its unique physiological environment have attracted great attention from biologists and aquaculturists.
System Classification
Mytilus galloprovincialis is one of three major, closely related species belonging to the Mytilus edulis complex of blue mussels. These species are widely distributed along temperate to subarctic coasts in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and are often dominant species in intertidal and nearshore habitats. M. galloprovincialis is considered the most tolerant of hot water of the three and has the southernmost distribution range in Europe and North America.
Distribution Range
In Europe, the Mediterranean mussel is mainly distributed in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, as well as along the Atlantic coast from Portugal to France, the British Isles and Norway. In the North Pacific, this mussel occurs along the coast of California and is believed to have been introduced through human activities in the early 20th century. In addition, this mussel exists as an invasive species in coastal areas of Asia, such as Japan (including the Ryukyu Islands), North Korea, and the Vladivostok region of Russia. This distribution enables it to play a variety of roles in global ecosystems.
Appearance Features
Mediterranean mussels can grow up to 140 mm in length. It has a smooth shell and is slightly wider than the black mussel (Choromytilus meridionalis), with which it is often confused in South Africa. Its shell color is mostly bluish purple or black, and may gradually turn into light brown.
EcologyMediterranean mussels are filter feeders, which makes them important players in ecosystems. They are often considered bio-indicators of ecosystems. The immune system of bivalves is often used to assess the health of the species and its surrounding environment. Through analysis, it was found that environmental variables such as water acidification, rising temperatures and changes in seawater salinity can affect the immune system of M. galloprovincialis.
These characteristics are typical of global climate change, and bivalves are seen as predictors of future climate health.
In addition, multiple environmental stresses, such as low salinity and heat shock, can significantly affect the metabolic rate, antioxidant enzyme activities, and feeding rate of M. galloprovincialis, indicating that these mussels may become The energy is limited.
Marine aquaculture
In the Novigrad Sea and Novsko Ždrilo in Croatia, M. galloprovincialis is farmed by locals and is part of Croatian cuisine, with a protected designation of origin from the European Union. Despite the low trophic status of the Adriatic Sea, the marine environment of Novigrad makes it an ideal location for aquaculture.
Novigrad mussels have fan-shaped, triangular or oblong shells, a dark blue outer shell and a light pearly interior, and are known for their unique flavor.
This mussel has a maximum edible shell length of at least 6 cm and a minimum weight of 20 g and excels in terms of a high condition index (at least 12%). Its flesh is smooth, soft and elastic to the touch, and has the unique smell of seaweed.
On the whole, Mediterranean mussels not only play an important role in the ecosystem, but also have great economic value in the aquaculture industry. Faced with increasingly severe environmental challenges, how can we effectively protect and utilize this unique biological resource?
