The Distribution of the MusselMytilusSpecies Along the Norwegian Coast

• DOI: 10.2983/035.032.0203
• Publication Date: 2013-08-29T11:02:11Z
• Authors: Steven J. Brooks; Eivind Farmen
• Keywords: Blue mussel

Mussels (Mytilus spp.) are used frequently in biological effects studies and biomonitoring programs either as transplanted groups or native populations. However, a result of the similarities external morphology Mytilus, which influenced by environmental factors, visual identification is often never certain. Because differences contaminant bioaccumulation biomarker responses may occur among 3 mussel species Mytilus edulis, trossulus, galloprovincialis, bias likely. In current study, mussels were collected from strategic locations along 25,000-km Norwegian coastline identified to polymerase chain reaction amplification gill tissue DNA. Specific primers amplify Glu gene (polyphenolic adhesive protein), has been validated previously identify different species. The amplified products electrophoresed, showing specific bands for M. edulis (180 bp), trossulus (168 galloprovincialis (126 with presence 2 suggesting hybrids. results all patchy distribution around coast, Mediterranean located up 60°N. implications this situation exposure discussed.