Genetic diversity of Southern hemisphere blue mussels (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) and the identification of non-indigenous taxa

Widespread bioinvasion of Northern hemisphere blue mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) into the Southern hemisphere has been documented for the first time, challenging assumptions about species distribution constraints. The study also identified inter-specific hybrids (Mytilus edulis × M. galloprovincialis) in both international ports and remote protected locations like Chile and New Zealand's Auckland Islands, highlighting vulnerability across diverse environments. Researchers used nuclear-DNA marker Me 15/16 to analyze 484 mussel samples from New Zealand, Australia, and Chile, revealing 478 pure M. galloprovincialis in Southern hemisphere sites and six hybrids. A new RFLP assay further confirmed the presence of Northern hemisphere M. galloprovincialis across almost every sampled region, including high-latitude areas up to 52°S, with implications for understanding selective environmental pressures on species distribution.

WESTFALL, K. M., & GARDNER, J. P. A. (2010). Genetic diversity of Southern hemisphere blue mussels (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) and the identification of non-indigenous taxa. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 101(4), 898–909. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8312.2010.01549.x