First record of Atlantic mud piddock, Barnea (Anchomasa) truncata (Bivalvia, Pholadidae) in Argentina

Abstract

The present work reports the finding of an exotic bivalve, Barnea (Anchomasa) truncata, in the intertidal zone of the Bahía Blanca Estuary Argentina (38º Lat S), more than 2000 km south from the edge of its native range in South America (21º Lat S, Brazil). Lines of evidence suggest that larval transport by shipping is the probable entry route of this species. The most apparent modification created by the introduction of this species is the generation of greater complexity and habitat heterogeneity in the mud tidal plain of the estuary; the consequent effects on the local biota should therefore be evaluated.