Differential feeding rates of native and alien predators on the invasive Asian date mussel <i>Arcuatula senhousia</i> (Benson in cantor, 1842) in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon

The alien Asian date mussel Arcuatula senhousia inhabits several coastal environments worldwide. This species can form dense mats where individuals attach through byssus threads, thus altering the structure, functioning and biodiversity of native communities. We investigated feeding preference different predators on this in a Mediterranean lagoon. To do this, mesocosm experiment was conducted using two crab (the green Carcinus aestuarii) Say mud Dyspanopeus sayi, one gastropod, banded dye-murex Hexaplex trunculus as A. with or without mats. Our data suggest that C. aestuarii is more effective predator against than D. H. almost ineffective. A possible implication result potential use for limit formation mats, mitigating their negative effects