Population dynamics of the potentially invasive Asian date mussel, Arcuatula senhousia, in Arcachon Bay, France

Abstract

Originated from Asia, Arcuatula senhousia has spread globally and is often reported as an invasive species that alters benthic communities and ecosystem functioning. However, very few studies have focused on the population dynamics of this ecosystem-engineering mytilid, partly due to the difficulty in monitoring cohorts of this short-lived, fast-growing species. Through a one-year monthly monitoring of mussel in two distinct locations in Arcachon Bay, France, we observed higher growth performance and P/B ratio at the station closer to the main river mouth, confirming the species preference for brackish, estuarine conditions. Post-recruitment mortality was particularly high, exceeding typical bivalve mortality rates, likely due to the vulnerability of this small species at the sediment surface. Trematode parasites, absent in our samples, were not implicated in mortality. In both locations, the reproductive phenology was similar, with a prolonged spawning season centred in the warmer months. As of 2024, A. senhousia remains a colonizing introduced species in Arcachon Bay with relatively low densities. However, vigilance is necessary, as its population dynamics resemble those observed in the few areas where these data are available and where this species has become invasive.