The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha Pallas, 1771) and the quagga mussel (D. rostriformis Deshayes, 1838) are successful invasive bivalves with substantial ecological and economic impacts in freshwater systems once they become established. Since their eradication is extremely difficult, their detection at an early stage is crucial to prevent spread. In this study, we optimized and validated a...

Museum collection of endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) shells was studied. The ontogenetic ages of the mussels were estimated to be between 12 and 178 years. Information from shell increments, morphometry and taphonomy was combined into age-dependent life-trait reconstructions that were modelled using linear and non-linear growth functions. Nearly all the life-tra...

.&sTRU.T.-Suitable host fishes were identified for two species of freshwater mussels (Unionidae) from the Coosa River drainage, Mobile Basin: Lampsili~ altilis, the fine-lined pocketbook and I’illosn vi/xx, the southern rainbow. Suitable hosts are defined as fishes that produce juvenile mussels from glochidial infestations in the laboratory. Larvae of both L . nltzlis and I! z&x transformed suc...

1. Gravid females of some.North American freshwater mussel species (Bivalvia: Unionidae) display highly modified mantle margins and other reproductive structures which mimic small fish, terrestrial insects, or aquatic macro-invertebrates. We report the responses of fish to these lures, based on the results of laboratory encounters between the following pairs of displaying mussels and fishes: La...

Several species of freshwater unionid mussels in the genus Lampsilis exhibit a remarkable reproductive strategy. Female mussels of these species enclose their larvae in a minnow-like lure, called a 'superconglutinate', to attract piscivorous fishes. When a fish attempts to ingest the superconglutinate the lure ruptures and the larvae are released to parasitize the fish. Of the four species of m...

Hunter harvest data suggest that feral hog (Sus scrofa) populations in western Louisiana are increasing, and population control in this region is complicated by the mixing of feral and domestic free-ranged hogs. Aggressive management may be warranted as feral and domestic hogs appear to be having unexpected effects on their ecosystem. We present the results of 3 recent investigations of genetic...

Ecological interactions among species often lead to parasitic lineages coevolving with host resources, which is suggested as the primary driver of parasite diversification. Freshwater mussels are bivalves that possess a life cycle requiring larval encystment on freshwater vertebrates complete metamorphosis. The North American mussel tribe Quadrulini has suite history adaptations including highl...

Crude oil is enriched in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Many PAH analogs have proved to potentially damage DNA. DNA damage can be assessed using various biomarkers to find out the degree of genotoxicity of pollutants following in vitro exposure. In this research the comet assay and micronucleus (MN) test were used to detect DNA damages and cytogenetic changes following crude oil expos...

Field trials were conducted to assess the potential for stocking native unionid mussels in urban streams of Chesapeake Bay catchment. Juvenile, hatchery-raised placed enclosures at five (two restored and three unrestored) two nearby rural streams. Adult translocated Mussel growth survivorship assessed stream sites individuals maintained hatchery ponds. At all sites, water quality conditions gen...