| Understanding the population dynamics of invasive species, such as the green mussel Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758), can aid in explaining the success of newly introduced populations and help predict the potential for spread. During a two-year field study of established populations in the invaded region of southwest Florida, year round gametogenesis and continuous spawning capabilities were observed through histological analysis of mussels collected monthly. This was supported by overall stable energetic reserves as measured through proximal biochemical composition (protein, glycogen and lipid content). However, egg outputs in the summer (6.4 x 10(6) +/- 2.6 x 10(6) eggs / female) were significantly higher than egg outputs of winter-spawned mussels (7.7 x... |
