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Sea Overlords! Why are brown mussels spreading along coasts and conquering ports around the world?
The brown mussel (Perna perna) is indeed an ecological icon of the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The ecological impacts and economic value of brown mussels are increasingly receiving attention as they spread across the globe, particularly through their accidental introduction in North America.
Brown mussels are economically exploitable shellfish and mainly feed on predatory parasites.
Basic characteristics of brown mussels
Brown mussels are usually about 90 mm long, but can reach a maximum length of 120 mm. The most obvious features are its brown shell and characteristic "posterior retracted muscle scars." Other characteristics of this shellfish include its deeply concave ridges, which distinguish it from other bivalves. Similar species include the European mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and the black mussel (Choromytilus meridionalis), the latter lacking a distinct concave edge, making identification easier.
Habitat and distribution
Brown mussels are mainly found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It originally grew and reproduced on the coasts of Africa, Southwest Africa, and waters from South America to the Caribbean. Recently, brown mussels have spread along the coast of Texas, USA, due to the accidental introduction of water balloons and boat bottoms. The shellfish can cling to rocks, shady objects, and even man-made objects such as navigation buoys and oil platforms.
Aggregations of brown mussels improve the surrounding marine ecology and provide habitat for other marine life.
Ecology and Life History
Brown mussels use external insemination during the breeding season, a process that usually takes place between May and October each year. Both sexes release eggs and sperm into the water to form larvae. The larvae metamorphose within 10 to 12 days as they mature and secrete attachment threads to attach to rock surfaces. As a filter, the brown mussel's diet includes algae, plankton and suspended organic matter, giving it an important place in the ecosystem.
Importance to Humanity
Brown mussels are an economically important food source and are widely harvested in Africa and South America for rapidly growing commercial farming. It can grow to 600 to 800 mm in 6 to 7 months, demonstrating its importance as human food. However, it is important to note that this shellfish may carry toxins from Streptococcus plantarum in the ocean, so long-term consumption may cause an outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning.
Future Outlook
As the brown mussel spreads into new areas, its impact on local ecosystems and human activities is alarming researchers and conservationists. Facing more and more environmental challenges, we should think about: How to effectively manage this invasive species while taking into account economic interests and ecological protection?
