Byssus attachment strength of two mytilids in mono-specific and mixed-species mussel beds

Abstract

There is a growing interest to understand co-existence processes between marine species in the bio-invasion scenario. Xenostrobus securis is a small mussel endemic to the brackish waters of New Zealand and Australia and has been listed among the “100 Worst Invasive Species”. The mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis is successfully cultivated in Galician Rías. Mussel byssus secretion and its functional strength when subjected to distinct substrate and salinity values were evaluated as the basis to understand dominance patterns within mixed-species beds.