Chronic hypoxia and low salinity impair anti-predatory responses of the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis

The effects of chronic hypoxia and low salinity on anti-predatory responses of the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis were investigated. Dissolved oxygen concentrations ranged from hypoxic to normoxic (1.5 ± 0.3 mg l−1, 3.0 ± 0.3 mg l−1 and 6.0 ± 0.3 mg l−1), and salinities were selected within the variation during the wet season in Hong Kong coastal waters (15‰, 20‰, 25‰ and 30‰). The dissolved oxygen and salinity significantly affected some anti-predatory responses of mussel, including byssus production, shell thickness and shell weight, and the adductor diameter was only significantly affected by salinity. Besides, interactive effects of dissolved oxygen and salinity on the byssus production and shell thickness were also observed. In hypoxic and low salinity conditions, P. viridis produced fewer byssal threads, thinner shell and adductor muscle, indicating that hypoxia and low salinity are severe environmental stressors for self-defence of mussel, and their interactive effects further increase the predation risk.

► Combined effects of DO and salinity on the anti-predatory responses are investigated.
► Chronic hypoxia and low salinity impair some anti-predatory responses of mussels.
► Hypoxia and salinity changes may change the prey–predator dynamics.