Mediterranean Mussel

Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

My name is James Radloff and I am currently doing my MSc in Marine Biology at Rhodes University. I am working on one of the most alien invasive marine species along the South African coastline, the Mediterranean mussel - Mytilus galloprovincialis. The Mediterranean mussel has the characteristics of a successful invasive species, having a high tolerance to salinity and desiccation, fast growth rate, high reproductive output, they are better competitors than native mussel species and have relatively few predators. Because of these successful characteristics this species has been able to spread extensively along the coasts of South Africa. (more…)

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