Glochidia ecology in wild fish populations and laboratory determination of competent host fishes for an endemic freshwater mussel of south-western Australia

• DOI: 10.1071/zo12022
• Publication Date: 2012-08-07T03:15:22Z
• Authors: Michael W. Klunzi...; Stephen J. Beatty; David L. Morgan; Gordon J. Thomson; Alan J. Lymbery
• Keywords: Unionidae

Glochidia (parasitic larvae) of freshwater mussels generally require a fish as host. Westralunio carteri Iredale, 1934 (Bivalvia : Hyriidae), the only mussel found in south-western Australia, was listed Vulnerable, but recently changed to Least Concern (International Union for Conservation Nature). were on four alien and seven native species from 18 sites South West Coast Drainage Division. On fishes, prevalence glochidia ranged 0.0 41.0% mean intensity (number per infested fish) 1.0 6.0, while fishes 9.2–90.5% 2.3–7.1. infestation greatest benthic which may be consequence greater encounter rates, other factors, such host size, probably also influence intensity. restricted fins fish, rarely gills or body surface. In laboratory, one competent hosts their ability produce juvenile W. carteri, two not. The inability some could potentially reduce recruitment success areas dominated by fishes.