Evaluating the role of predatory fish controlling the invasion of the Asian golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) in a subtropical river

The invasive Asian golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) is continuously expanding through South America, altering the aquatic ecosystem structure and functioning. While several native fish species predate on this mussel, these interactions, and their consequences for the food web, have not been studied in depth. 4.

Synthesis and Applications. Our research suggests a top-down effect of fish on the mussel's abundance, highlighting the need to preserve the fish communities of Uruguay River, where migratory fish are of key relevance. In the light of these findings, actions such as implementing efficient fish passage technologies in the actual (and projected) dams of the Uruguay River basin become essential to avoid local extinctions of these natural controls of the invasion upstream of the dams.10-Jan-2020