First record of the invasive Asian date mussel Arcuatula senhousia (Benson, 1842) (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Mytilidae) in West Africa

ABSTRACT

Biological invasions can have serious consequences for native communities. The Asian date mussel Arcuatula senhousia is an Asian species that has been accidentally introduced into coastal areas of North America, Oceania and the Mediterranean, with significant impact on local benthic communities. Here, we present the first record of this species in West Africa, after having found one live specimen in a mudflat off the island of Bubaque, in the Bijagós archipelago of Guinea-Bissau. Given the importance of the benthic communities for wintering shorebirds and local fisheries at this key West African wetland, and considering the invasive behaviour of Asian date mussels, we recommend further monitoring to confirm whether a self-maintaining population has settled in the area.