The biology and functional morphology of Mytilaster minimus (Bivalvia: Mytiloidea: Mytilidae) from the intertidal dinaric karst of Croatia (Adriatic Sea)

摘要: Mytilaster minimus is widely distributed along the rocky intertidal of much Mediterranean's coastline and Adriatic Sea. Populations are, however, threatened by Lessepsian invader Brachidontes pharaonis that occupies same habitat more tolerant environmental extremes. This first study anatomy M. in relation to its evolution adaptations towards an life on karsted limestone shores characterize Mediterranean. In most anatomical respects a typical mytilid but small (<16 mm shell length) and, post-juvenile, greatly deformed concomitant with niche colonizing pits rocks. It thus generally squatter, is, dorso-ventrally flattened, laterally expanded antero-posteriorly foreshortened comparison galloprovincialis. A pair statocysts has been identified visceral mass. Most interest, resides fact posterior byssal retractor muscles, like shell, are comprise one paired block pedal muscles situated beneath these not anterior them as other mytilids. These equip for compressed, squat, karst. addition competition from introduced B. Mediterranean, facing competitive exclusion native Mytilus galloprovincialis that, result intensive increasing mariculture, coming dominate Croatian shorelines. therefore, prescient laying foundations future research what becoming Mediterranean species.