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Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

Similar species Slovenia (1997), Italy (Gulf of Taranto) (2001), Italy
Mytilus galloprovincialis (young individuals). (Leghorn) (2001), Sardinia (Gulf of Olbia) (2002),
Arcuatula senhousia often lives in M. and Sicily (Siracusa) (2006). The main pathway of
galloprovincialis beds, therefore young introduction is through transfer with bivalve seed
Mediterranean mussels can be confused with the stock for aquaculture purposes; this species can also
alien species. Major differences are that in M. be spread by ship’s ballast waters (water pumped
galloprovincialis: 1) the colour of the shell is shiny into and out of ships as ballast to maintain the
blue-violet or black; 2) the interior of the shell is correct buoyancy) or fouling (the communities
mother-of-pearl; 3) it lacks red lines on the outer encrusting a ship’s hull).
surface of the shell.
Ecological impacts
Arcuatula senhousia forms dense aggregations that
can change the physical structure of the bottom,
dominating benthic communities and outcompeting
other filter-feeding bivalves for food. It also develops
on the roots of sea grasses slowing down their
growth.

Economic impacts
The species’ economic impact has not been
quantified yet; however, it is highly possible that
Dark coloured shell that
lacks radiating stripes bivalve culture and harvesting might suffer due to
Internal side is mother-of-pearl strong competition. The Asian date mussel can
damage marine engines by clogging cooling water
Mytillus galloprovincialis juvenile
intakes or industrial water intake pipes.

Management options
A suggested prevention measure is to build up local
public awareness combined with monitoring to help
prevent its introduction into MPAs. Control actions
are impossible as the large bivalve mats, if removed
either manually or mechanically (e.g. by dredges),
are easily fragmented and the detached individuals
can spread to form new populations.

Further reading

http://www.europe-aliens.org/pdf/Musculista_senhousia.pdf
http://www.ciesm.org/atlas/Musculistasenhousia.html

Mytilus galloprovincialis. Photo. L. Rignanese

Brief history and route of
introduction
Originally from the south-western Pacific, it was first
recorded in the Mediterranean at Tel Aviv (Israel) in Drawings: Juan Varela
1960. Thereafter, it has been reported in Egypt
(1969), France (1984), the Adriatic Sea (1992),

60 Monitoring Marine Invasive Species in Mediterranean MPAs: A strategy and practical guide for managers