New perspectives on the dispersal mechanisms of the Antarctic brooding bivalve Mysella charcoti (Lamy, 1906)

Brooding is a widespread phenomenon among Antarctic bivalves. Although it should represent a handicap to dispersion, many brooding species have achieved a wide distribution in Antarctic and subantarctic waters, suggesting that they have alternative and effective methods of dispersal. Evidence of suc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polar biology 2002-07, Vol.25 (7), p.538-541
Main Authors: DOMANESCHI, Osmar, MACHADO CUNHA DA SILVA, José Roberto, RIBEIRO PORTO NETO FLAVIO DIAS PASSOS, Laércio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Autoecology
Biogeography
Biological and medical sciences
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Habitats
Marine
Marine biology
Mollusks
Mysella charcoti
Notothenia coriiceps
Protozoa. Invertebrata
Shallow water
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Summary:Brooding is a widespread phenomenon among Antarctic bivalves. Although it should represent a handicap to dispersion, many brooding species have achieved a wide distribution in Antarctic and subantarctic waters, suggesting that they have alternative and effective methods of dispersal. Evidence of such an alternative method is presented here for the bivalve Mysella charcoti, unexpectedly found alive and healthy in feces expelled by Notothenia coriiceps (Nototheniidae: Pisces). The finding indicates that the snug-fitting shell of Mysella functions as a barrier to digestive enzymes. Withstanding passage through the digestive tract of fish allows Mysella to be passively dispersed (within the home range of the fish) and colonize new habitats or re-colonize shallow-water substrates severely impacted by ice scours.
ISSN:0722-4060
1432-2056
DOI:10.1007/s00300-002-0379-6