Unionoid mussels as an indicator of fish communities: A conceptual framework and empirical evidence

We tested the hypothesis that globally imperiled freshwater mussels (Order: Unionoida) can be used as an indicator of fish communities in lowland aquatic systems for relatively small geographic areas (i.e., <100 km2). The survey was conducted in 13 reaches within a network of agricultural drainage channels and in 9 floodplain backwaters in Central Japan. In each site, the fish community was examined on four seasonal occasions (spring to early summer, mid-summer, fall to early winter, and winter) and related to the mussel community. Total abundance, taxon richness, and diversity index were used to characterize fish communities. Mussel community variables predicted some aspects of fish communities, but such patterns were seasonally limited. In both systems, mussel community variables had no predictive power for the total abundance of fishes. In drainage channels, taxon richness of mussels was a good predictor of all fish community variables except for total abundance in early summer. In winter, mussel abundance predicted well the taxon richness of the fish community, while taxon richness predicted the diversity index of the fish community. In backwaters, mussel abundance was a good predictor of fish community variables except total abundance in mid-summer. A relatively minor portion (<23%) of fish–mussel relationships was attributable to direct commensalism between mussels and bitterlings. A conceptual framework was provided to help identify the mechanisms behind fish–mussel relationships. Our findings validated the use of mussels as an indicator of high-quality summer rearing habitats in backwaters and wintering and reproduction habitats of fishes in drainage channels.

► Mussel community attributes were associated with those of fish in limited seasons. ► Mussel community variables were not associated with the total abundance of fishes. ► Abundant mussels were often associated with higher species richness of fishes. ► A small portion of fish–mussel relationships derived from direct commensalism. ► Recent declines of mussels suggest the decreases in fish species richness.