ISSN:
1365-2427
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
1. Females of the North American freshwater bivalve Lampsilis perovalis release their larvae, which are obligate parasites on fish, in a discrete mass (superconglutinate) resembling a small fish in shape and coloration. After release, the mass remains tethered to the female by a long, transparent, mucous strand and, in stream currents, displays a darting motion that further mimics a small fish.2. Release of superconglutinates was observed in March and April at water temperatures of 14–17 °C. However, superconglutinates detached from the parent mussel were observed from March to June at water temperatures of 11–26 °C, indicating that release may occur into the summer.3. The superconglutinate lure may function to attract a predaceous fish to ingest the mass, ensuring that the larvae are exposed to a suitable host.4. This reproductive strategy was confirmed recently to occur in a congener, L. subangulata and is suspected to occur in another congener, L. australis.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2427.1995.tb00904.x
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