Host Selection of Potomida semirugata (Unionidae: Bivalvia) in Reproduction Strategy

Abstract

Potomida semirugata, which belongs to the Unionidae family, require a host fish to complete their life cycle. In this study, the host fish preference of this species was investigated. Besides, mussel species and hence the attachment state of larvae on the host fish were also investigated. Five different fish species namely Cyprinus carpio, Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, Anguilla anguilla, and Carasobarbus luteus were used as host candidates. In this study, five glass aquaria each containing 140 liters of water without any substrate were used and 3 mussels and 10 fish were placed in each aquarium. The aquaria were monitored for 120 days and the glochidia release on the fish was determined by examining gill tissue, dorsal and caudal fins by using a stereomicroscope. Results indicated that C. carpio and O. niloticus were more preferable in terms of mussel- host fish relationship. The best host fish was determined as C. carpio in terms of gill-fullness and juvenile mussel transformation at the ground of the aquarium. These observations provide significant insight and information regarding the effective culture of freshwater mussels.