Publication Date:
2021-05-19
Description:
In this study we explored the species composition, space and temporary variations of the epifauna associated with the
invasive species Perna viridis (Asian green mussel) in Cienfuegos Bay. Epifauna was collected by scraping shells surface of 577 P.
viridis individuals extracted from four sites where greater abundance: the wharves Pablo Guzmán (PG), Siete Cuadras (M7), Punta La
Cueva (PC), and the Barco Hundido (BH). The first three sites were located near to human population establishments while BH was
relatively far from such establishments. Barnacles (Cirripedia) were the most important group among sampled epifauna, followed by
bryozoans and ascidians. Other groups as sponges, anemones, polychaetes, non-sessile crustaceans like brachyurans and anomurans,
turbellaries, ophiuroids, bivalves and gasthropods, were also represented. A total of 39 species were identified as components of
epifauna, which coexist naturally with mussels without demonstrating ecosystem affectations or mutual exclusion effects
(displacement of species). The total biomass values decreased from February to May and increase toward November at all sampling
sites. Significant differences were found for the main groups of the epifauna when comparing on temporal scale. Total biomass values
showed significant differences on spatial scale. BH was the site with less value, only vegetal elements were found. Those differences
could be related with anthropogenic impact, which is greater near to human population establishment (Cienfuegos City). The
information providing by this study seems to be against the hypothesis that P. viridis represents an ecological damage in Cienfuegos
Bay at least for the current mussel densities, but it is not enough to reject that hypothesis.
Description:
Published
Description:
Invasive species
Description:
bahía de Cienfuegos, Cuba
Description:
Cuba
Description:
Perna viridis
Description:
Asian green mussel
Keywords:
Periodic variations
;
Communities (ecological)
Repository Name:
AquaDocs
Type:
Journal Contribution
,
Refereed
,
Article
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