Record of the invasive mussel Mytella strigata (Bivalvia, Mytilidae) in Odiyur Lagoon, Southeast coast of India.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Record of the invasive mussel Mytella strigata (Bivalvia, Mytilidae) in Odiyur Lagoon, Southeast coast of India.
Authors:	Samuel, V. Deepak¹ deepak@ncscm.res.in, Haridas, Amal², Sarah, S. Blessy, Jeevamani, J. Joyson Joe, Gogoi, Nitul Kumar¹, Abhilash, K. R.¹, Robin, R. S.¹, Mol, V. P. Limna², Andrew, S. Niren³, Purvaja, R.¹
Source:	Current Science (00113891). 6/25/2026, Vol. 130 Issue 12, p1116-1121. 6p.
Subjects:	Mussels, Bivalves, Competition (Biology), Introduced species, Detection algorithms, Colonization (Ecology), Lagoons
Geographic Terms:	India
Abstract:	The American brackish-water, aka Charru, mussel Mytella strigata has recently emerged as an invasive alien species across the Indo-Pacific region. The present study documents the presence of M. strigata along the southeast coast of India. A field survey, conducted in May 2025, revealed its presence across four locations within the lagoon. The species was identified morphologically based on distinct shell features and hinge characteristics. They were observed in clumps on muddy substrates, attached using byssus threads to native bivalves such as Magallana bilineata, Saccostrea cuccullata, Isognomon ephippium and Perna viridis. Besides, barnacles (Amphibalanus spp.) and tubicolous polychaetes were found to be fouling on the shells. Dead shells of the gastropod Pirenella cingulata and Nassarius spp. were also used as substrata for byssus thread attachment. The findings indicate a comparatively early stage of colonisation in the lagoon, as the mussel occurred in scattered clusters rather than forming continuous beds. The presence of M. strigata raises concerns about interspecies competition and altered benthic community dynamics. At present, there are no effective removal/eradication methods available for this species globally. Early-stage detection is an avenue to containment measures, such as physical removal, substrate change, and preventing the dispersal of the larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Engineering Source

Description
Abstract:	The American brackish-water, aka Charru, mussel Mytella strigata has recently emerged as an invasive alien species across the Indo-Pacific region. The present study documents the presence of M. strigata along the southeast coast of India. A field survey, conducted in May 2025, revealed its presence across four locations within the lagoon. The species was identified morphologically based on distinct shell features and hinge characteristics. They were observed in clumps on muddy substrates, attached using byssus threads to native bivalves such as Magallana bilineata, Saccostrea cuccullata, Isognomon ephippium and Perna viridis. Besides, barnacles (Amphibalanus spp.) and tubicolous polychaetes were found to be fouling on the shells. Dead shells of the gastropod Pirenella cingulata and Nassarius spp. were also used as substrata for byssus thread attachment. The findings indicate a comparatively early stage of colonisation in the lagoon, as the mussel occurred in scattered clusters rather than forming continuous beds. The presence of M. strigata raises concerns about interspecies competition and altered benthic community dynamics. At present, there are no effective removal/eradication methods available for this species globally. Early-stage detection is an avenue to containment measures, such as physical removal, substrate change, and preventing the dispersal of the larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	00113891
DOI:	10.18520/cs/v130/i12/1116-1121