Fatty acid response of the invasive bivalve Limnoperna fortunei fed with Microcystis aeruginosa exposed to high temperature

The success of Limnoperna fortunei as an invasive freshwater bivalve species is related to its physiological plasticity to endure changes in environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological responses of L. fortunei after feeding on Microcystis aeruginosa grown at 26 degrees C (control) and 29 degrees C during 10 days. At the beginning, we measured biomass, fatty acids (FAs) composition on Cyanobacteria grown at both temperatures at different time intervals. Afterwards, mussels were fed with the thawed M. aeruginosa cells and their FA profile was measured after 15 days of feeding. M. aeruginosa exposed to 29 degrees C had the highest content of the FAs 18:2 omega 6 and cis-18:1 omega 9. The FA profile of the consumer L. fortunei fed with M. aeruginosa cultures grown at 29 degrees C was also significantly different to those fed with cultures grown at 26 degrees C, with a significant increased Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 omega 3) and Arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4 omega 6) concentrations. L. fortunei was already known to be physiologically adapted to live at 29 degrees C, but our results also shown a high biosynthesis of EPA and ARA (increase of 70 and 40% respectively, compared with 26 degrees C) and avoided the lipid peroxidation of both FAs. This increased EPA and ARA biosynthesis may be an important source of omega 3 and omega 6 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) for higher trophic levels, such as the pelagic fishes or birds that mainly prey on these mussels. The transfer of the cyanobacterial response at higher temperature to higher trophic levels will influence the overall functioning of freshwater bodies.

Automated summary

The invasive freshwater bivalve Limnoperna fortunei shows strong physiological adaptability to environmental changes, particularly after feeding on cyanobacteria at high temperatures where it exhibits increased fatty acid biosynthesis, such as EPA and ARA, providing an important source of PUFAs for higher trophic levels. This transfer of responses from cyanobacteria to higher trophic levels can significantly impact the overall functioning of freshwater ecosystems.