Semimytilus algosus explained

Semimytilus algosus is a species of mussels. A common name for this species is Dwarf mussel.^[1] It is the first species where trioecy was reported in the phylum Mollusca.

Size

Individuals can be up to 42or in size.^[2]

Reproduction

In the past this species was described as simultaneous hermaphroditic but it was later confirmed the species is trioecious. It is believed this species evolved from a gonochoric ancestor.^[3]

Occurrence

Its habitat is rocky shores.^[4] The species has been found off the coasts of South Africa and is native to Chile.^[5] The species is also invasive off the coast of Angola and Namibia.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Dwarf mussel. 2021-10-11. SANBI. 20 May 2018 . en-US.
2. Book: Branch, George. Two Oceans: A guide to the marine life of southern Africa. 2017-03-10. Penguin Random House South Africa. 978-1-77584-278-1. 60–36. en.
3. Oyarzún. Pablo A.. Nuñez. José J.. Toro. Jorge E.. Gardner. Jonathan P. A.. 2020. Trioecy in the Marine Mussel Semimytilus algosus (Mollusca, Bivalvia): Stable Sex Ratios Across 22 Degrees of a Latitudinal Gradient. Frontiers in Marine Science. 7. English. 10.3389/fmars.2020.00348. 2296-7745. free.
4. Book: Picker, Mike. Alien and Invasive Animals: A South African Perspective. 2013-10-24. Penguin Random House South Africa. 978-1-77584-130-2. en.
5. Greef. K. de. Griffiths. C. L.. Zeeman. Z.. 2013-09-01. Deja vu? A second mytilid mussel, Semimytilus algosus, invades South Africa's west coast. African Journal of Marine Science. 35. 3. 307–313. 10.2989/1814232X.2013.829789. 2013AfJMS..35..307D . 10019.1/121931. 84892353. 1814-232X. free.
6. Ma. Kevin C. K.. Zardi. Gerardo I.. McQuaid. Christopher D.. Nicastro. Katy R.. 2020-09-11. Historical and contemporary range expansion of an invasive mussel, Semimytlius algosus, in Angola and Namibia despite data scarcity in an infrequently surveyed region. PLOS ONE. en. 15. 9. e0239167. 10.1371/journal.pone.0239167. 1932-6203. 7485899. 32915915. free. 2020PLoSO..1539167M .