The golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) as an emerging concern for biodiversity in the Brazilian Cerrado

The Cerrado biome is an international biodiversity hotspot, but knowledge about the distribution and impact of invasive bivalve species in the rivers of the Central Brazilian Cerrado is scarce. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to extend our knowledge of the geographical distribution of the golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) and enlarge the list of the invasive species that have arrived in the Cerrado environment. In this context, invasive mussels may affect native species, but there is little information on their environmental interaction. The study area was the low-middle Paranaíba River, located in and around the hydroelectric power plant of Cachoeira Dourada. In total, 386 specimens were captured and measured, and the reproductive status was defined through a histological approach. Results showed that the mussel shell length varied from 3.8 to 35.5 mm (215.73 ± 5.53 mm); width, from 1.9 to 14.1 mm (7.20 ± 2.24 mm); and height, from 1.4 to 11.8 mm (5.84 ± 2.00 mm). Hence, the populations discovered is likely to be in its third year, and the histological assessment showed that the mussels are reproducing actively. Results indicated that the process of invasion was enhanced by human activities, such as fish farming, considering that the golden mussel is an emerging bio-infestation concern, and it should be considered a serious threat to native species on the Brazilian Cerrado ecosystem. Further studies on cohabitation and interaction with native species are needed.