Desiccation tolerance of the invasive alien mussel, Limnoperna fortunei, in reservoirs: field experiments during fall–winter

Abstract

The golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker), is small freshwater bivalve species native to China and Korea that is invasive in Japan. To establish efficient control of the mussel by drainage of reservoirs, I investigated its survival time under dry conditions in field experiments during fall and winter, and examined the effects of temperature, rainfall, and body size on survival. Following drainage, complete mortality took 7 to 15 days. Drainage for at least 15 days is recommended to ensure mortality. The main factors affecting survival were drying time, temperature, and body size, but the effect of drying time varied with temperature. Complete mortality was fastest during the coldest months, and therefore drainage during this period may be effective in achieving mortality quickly.