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Context

• The coastal waters of Kerala are witnessing a massive spread of an invasive species, the Caribbean False Mussel.

Mytilopsis sallei

• Mytilopsis sallei, the black-striped mussel, is a small marine bivalve mollusc in the family Dreissenidae, the false mussels.
• It is closely related and ecologically similar to the zebra mussel.
• Mytilopsis shell morphology is highly variable.
• Shells range from 20-40mm in length, and about 10-20mm in width.
• The shell is brownish, greyish, and yellowish, with dark brown and white stripes.
• The animal inside is light orange and yellow.

Habitat and distribution

• It typically lives in large colonies in clean, brackish water.
• As adults, Mytilopsis can tolerate wide fluctuations in salinity.
• It can also be found in intertidal and subtidal habitats as an invasive species living on a variety of substrates.
• Originated in the Caribbean and Mexico Bay, it has since spread to Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, much like many tropical species.

Invasive species

• sallei has wide temperature, salinity, oxygen, and turbulence tolerances. The species is adapted to life in turbid estuaries with wide variations in these characteristics.
• sallei is a pest, an invasive species that can inhibit the growth of other species.
• sallei are considered an aggressive invasive species, particularly in Japanese and Indian ports. They are able to quickly reproduce and mature, allowing them to take over habitats.
• Studies have found that treating sallei larvae with magnesium and ammonia ions reduces their settlement, preventing their growth and development. Little research has been done on the impacts of this invasive species as well as possible management strategies.

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