抄録
The mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) is an important seafood species and is cultivated in many countries. It is also considered a major fouling organism because it colonizes artificial structures causing economic problems. Many studies have demonstrated that M. galloprovincialis larval settlement is influenced by various substrata, i.e., macroalgae, conspecifics and biofilms. This review summarizes the roles of substrata on the larval settlement, with reference to the involvement of chemical cue(s). Literature on M. edulis larval settlement is also included. Larvae of M. galloprovincialis settle on specific filamentous algae in response to chemical cue(s), and not to the algal morphology or associated organisms. Evidence of the gregariousness in this species has also been demonstrated in the laboratory. Biofilms strongly induce the larval settlement and their activities are modulated by immersion periods and months (seasons). Bacteria in biofilms are directly involved in the induction of larval settlement and the viability of bacteria is a requirement for the production of chemical cue(s). Evidence also suggests that two chemical cues derived from bacteria, i.e., waterborne and surface-bound cues, act synergistically on the larval settlement. Further research on the identification of chemical cues is necessary to clarify the mechanism of mussel larval settlement.
