Invasive Chinese Pond Mussel Brings Pearls and Problems to Algeria
The Chinese pond mussel (Sinanodonta woodiana), one of the world’s most invasive freshwater species, has been discovered lately in Oubeira Lake, Algeria—its first confirmed presence in Africa.
It was likely introduced to our country in the 1980s while stocking Oubeira Lake by 22 million Asiatic carp and sander imported from Hungary, where it was introduced in the 1960s in the same way and rapidly spread across Europe.
It was also Intentionally introduced in countries like Italy-and here is the fun part-for pearl production. Yes it can produce fresh water pearls!
What makes it so invasive is its high ecological and morphological plasticity, allowing it to thrive in various environments and Its high growth and reproductive capacity (release of parasitic larvae called "glochidia" attached to a host fish).
Why is it a concern that it's an invasive species? It poses ecological risks:
- It competes with indigenous species for habitat, food, and host fish.
- It can dominate its ecological niche, altering the diversity and structure of native fauna.
With its ability to spread rapidly, research and management strategies are critical to prevent long-term damage to the local ecosystem.
At the same time, I think just spreading the word that they MAY contain pearls suffice to eradicate them, plus they are edible,so...
What do you thing?
Reference:
Bensaad-Bendjedid, L., TELAILIA, S., ALLIOUCHE, F., Touati, H., & Ladjama, I. (2023). First record of the occurrence of the Chinese pond mussel Sinanodonta woodiana (Lea, 1834)(Bivalvia: Unionidae) in African freshwaters: Oubeira Lake, Algeria. Turkish Journal of Zoology, 47(2), 94-102.
The Chinese pond mussel (Sinanodonta woodiana), one of the world’s most invasive freshwater species, has been discovered lately in Oubeira Lake, Algeria—its first confirmed presence in Africa.
It was likely introduced to our country in the 1980s while stocking Oubeira Lake by 22 million Asiatic carp and sander imported from Hungary, where it was introduced in the 1960s in the same way and rapidly spread across Europe.
It was also Intentionally introduced in countries like Italy-and here is the fun part-for pearl production. Yes it can produce fresh water pearls!
What makes it so invasive is its high ecological and morphological plasticity, allowing it to thrive in various environments and Its high growth and reproductive capacity (release of parasitic larvae called "glochidia" attached to a host fish).
Why is it a concern that it's an invasive species? It poses ecological risks:
- It competes with indigenous species for habitat, food, and host fish.
- It can dominate its ecological niche, altering the diversity and structure of native fauna.
With its ability to spread rapidly, research and management strategies are critical to prevent long-term damage to the local ecosystem.
At the same time, I think just spreading the word that they MAY contain pearls suffice to eradicate them, plus they are edible,so...
What do you thing?
Reference:
Bensaad-Bendjedid, L., TELAILIA, S., ALLIOUCHE, F., Touati, H., & Ladjama, I. (2023). First record of the occurrence of the Chinese pond mussel Sinanodonta woodiana (Lea, 1834)(Bivalvia: Unionidae) in African freshwaters: Oubeira Lake, Algeria. Turkish Journal of Zoology, 47(2), 94-102.