Treesearch
An extraordinary reproductive strategy in freshwater bivalves: prey mimicry to facilitate larval dispersal
| Authors: | Wendell R. Haag, Robert S. Butler, Paul D. Hartfield |
| Year: | 1995 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Southern Research Station |
| Source: | Freshwater Biology (1995) 34, 471-476 |
Download (PDF 591 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/6302.pdf
Abstract
1. Females of the North American freshwater bivalve Lampsilis provalis 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.