Dynamic energy budget parameterisation of Brachidontes pharaonis, a Lessepsian bivalve in the Mediterranean Sea

• DEB parameters were estimated for Brachidontes pharaonis using the covariation method.
• DEB simulation was able to correctly depict species' growth and reproduction dynamics.
• Mechanistic approach is crucial to improve our prediction ability in a changing world.

Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) models are used for describing the flow of energy through organisms. The most important and powerful aspect of DEB theory is that inter-specific differences can be captured in the same model by comparison of parameter values. However, estimation of these parameters is complicated and can often not be done with direct empirical measurements alone. Here, we present DEB parameter estimates obtained by combining both experimental and literature data for the filter feeder Brachidontes pharaonis, which is considered one among the 100 worst invasive marine species in the Mediterranean Basin. We utilize a statistical procedure based on the covariation method to obtain parameters that minimize the deviation between observed and predicted patterns of growth and reproduction.