Loss of reproductive output caused by an invasive species

Abstract

We investigated whetherNeogobius melanostomus,aninvader of biodiversity ‘hot-spots’ in the Laurentian Great Lakes region, facilitates or inhibits unionid mussel recruitment by serving as a host or sink for their parasitic larvae (glochidia). Infestation and metamorphosis rates of four mussel species with at-risk (conservation) status (Epioblasma torulosa rangiana, Epioblasma triquetra, Lampsilis fasciolaandVillosa iris)and one common species (Actinonaias ligamentina)onN. melanostomus were compared with rates on known primary and marginal hosts in the laboratory.