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The secrets of the Mediterranean mussel: Why is this organism spreading around the world as an invader?
The Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) is a bivalve marine mollusk belonging to the family Mytilidae. This species has spread and become invasive in many parts of the world, making us wonder about the secrets behind its adaptability and reproductive ability.
Systems
The Mediterranean mussel is one of three main, closely related mussel species, all three of which are known as "blue mussels". They are common along temperate to subarctic coasts in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and often become the dominant organisms on hard substrates in intertidal and nearshore habitats.
Mediterranean mussels commonly hybridize with their sister species, including Mytilus edulis and Mytilus trossulus, especially when they occur in the same location.
Distribution Range
In Europe, the Mediterranean mussel is widely distributed in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, as well as along the Atlantic coast, from Portugal north to France and the United Kingdom, and to Norway. In recent years the species has also been found in the European Arctic, including northern Norway and Svalbard.
In addition, Mediterranean mussels were introduced to the North Pacific coast of northern California by human activities in the early 20th century and were cultured in the Puget Sound area of Washington State. It is also an invasive species along the coast of Asia, particularly in Japan, North Korea, and around Vladivostok, Russia.
In the Southern Hemisphere, although the original species of Mytilus did not exist in South Africa, the Mediterranean mussel was introduced from Europe in 1984 and is now the dominant low-tide mussel on the west coast.
Morphological characteristics
Mediterranean mussels have shells that can be up to 140 mm long and have a smooth outer shell with a slightly wider base. Its shell color is mostly bluish purple or black, sometimes light brown.
EcologyMediterranean mussels are filter feeders that typically live in intertidal zones and their status is considered a bio-indicator for the entire ecosystem.
In the Adriatic Sea, Chamelea gallina and Mytilus galloprovincialis showed similar seasonal variations in their cytotoxic activities, reflecting the sensitivity of their immune systems to environmental changes.
As global climate change takes hold, a number of stressors, including acidification and rising temperatures, are affecting the immune systems of Mediterranean mussels, making them potential predictors of environmental change.
Potential of aquaculture
In Croatia in particular, Mediterranean mussels are known as Novigrad mussels, which are cultivated in specific sea areas and have been awarded the European protected designation of origin. Although the Adriatic Sea water is relatively rich in oxygen, the special environment of Novigrad is very suitable for aquaculture.
Novigrad mussels are famous for their high condition index, their meat is particularly smooth and has a characteristic aroma of seaweed.
However, will its invasiveness and global spread affect the diversity of local ecosystems and the sustainability of aquaculture?
