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Living on the edge: thermal limitations of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in Central Texas

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Abstract

Dreissenid mussels are successful aquatic invaders which have spread rapidly throughout North America following their arrival from Eurasia approximately 35 years ago. Reservoirs in central Texas have been more recently invaded by zebra mussels and these populations represent the southernmost edge of this species’ current distribution in North America. The purpose of this study was to examine the distribution and population dynamics (recruitment and mortality) of zebra mussels in Canyon Lake and the effect of high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen on mortality of zebra mussels in three different Central Texas lakes (Canyon, Belton, and Stillhouse Hollow). Recruitment, both larval densities and juvenile settlement, varied with temperature within and between years. The highest settlement rate and lower mortality were associated with lower temperatures (e.g., year or lake with lowest number of days ≥ 30 °C), whereas hypoxia likely caused high mortality at greater depths in Lake Belton. Although higher summer temperatures seem to limit zebra mussels, their population has continued to increase and expand in Canyon Lake since the initial invasion, but at considerably lower densities than higher latitude populations This study improves our understanding of factors driving and limiting zebra mussel population dynamics in low latitude lakes, which will help to inform management decisions.

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Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author (ANS) upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Joint Base San Antonio Marina and the Army Corps of Engineers for providing site access and Kiara Cushway for making the map. This research was supported by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Statewide Aquatic Vegetation and Invasive Species Management funding.

Funding

This research was supported by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Statewide Aquatic Vegetation and Invasive Species Management funding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA

    Astrid N. Schwalb & David Swearingen

  2. Water Quality Division, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Austin, TX, USA

    Josi J. Robertson

  3. Department of Biology, Temple College, Temple, TX, USA

    Jason L. Locklin & Josiah S. Moore

  4. Inland Fisheries Division, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX, USA

    Monica McGarrity

Authors
  1. Astrid N. Schwalb
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  2. David Swearingen
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  3. Josi J. Robertson
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  4. Jason L. Locklin
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  5. Josiah S. Moore
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  6. Monica McGarrity
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. DS, JR, JM, and JL collected the data. Data analysis was performed by DS and AS with contributions by JR and JL. The first draft of the manuscript was written by AS and DS with contributions by JR. All authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript and all authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Astrid N. Schwalb.

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Schwalb, A.N., Swearingen, D., Robertson, J.J. et al. Living on the edge: thermal limitations of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in Central Texas. Biol Invasions 25, 847–861 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-022-02950-z

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