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J. Moll. Stud. (1999), 65, 289-294
© The Malacological Society of London 1999

Mytilus edulis chilensis infested with Coccomyxa parasitica (Chlorococcales, Coccomyxaceae)

A.P. Gray1, I.A.N. Lucas, R. Seed and C.A. Richardson

School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales — Bangor, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5EY

The association between the green alga Coccomyxa parasitica (Chlorococcales) and the mussel Mytilus edulis chilensis at Goose Green, Falkland Islands is reported. C. parasitica occurred within the soft tissues with an overall infestation rate of 16%. The highest levels of infestation (23%) occurred in individuals from the middle of the main mussel bed, with considerably lower levels of infestation in the upper and lower regions (<1% and 5% respectively). No consistent seasonal pattern in infestation rate was detected between September 1993 and February 1996. C. parasitica was most commonly observed in tissues located in the posterior territory of the host, in areas most directly exposed to light. Tissues of infested mussels were rather watery and translucent and the adductor muscle appeared weak and stringy. During the summer months when Falkland mussels are in peak reproductive condition, dry flesh weight of infested mussels was significantly lower than non–infected mussels of comparable size suggesting that infestation by C. parasitica may reduce reproductive output. However it is uncertain whether poor condition of the host is due to the presence of the parasitic alga or whether C. parasitica infests only those mussels that are already in poor condition.

1 Present address: 3, St Marys Walk, PO Box 530, Stanley, Falkland Islands

(Received 10 June 1998; accepted 8 September 1998)


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