Invasion of the exotic freshwater mussel Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) (Bivalvia : Mytilidae) in South America

We traced the invasion and investigated the distribution of the Asian bival ve Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) in South America. In addition, we com ment on the problems caused by this invasive species. In 1991, L. fortunei was introduced into la Plata Basin (currently the only American continent d rainage system invaded by this species) through Rio de la Plata River. By t he end of 1994 and during 1995 this species dispersed throughout the Argent ine coast of the Rio de la Plate River and was reported from the Uruguayan coast. In 1995 and 1996, it was first discovered in the Parana River, in Sa nto Tome (Salado del Norte River), and later up in Goya. In November, 1996, L. fortunei was reported in Cerrito Island, where the Paraguay River joins the Parana River. In April 1997, it was collected in Paraguay River on Asu ncion Harbor, Paraguay. In 1999, it was detected in Brazil (Itapua Beach, M unicipality of Viamao, Rio Grande do Sul State). These recent records docum ent the fast and ongoing expansion of the species geographic range, as well as its prompt adaptation to the different environments of the la Plata Bas in.