Mytilopsis sallei

[4] M. sallei matures early (at 8–10 mm shell length) and possesses a fast growth rate and high fecundity.

[5] M. sallei exhibits two periods of reproductive activity and settlement per year, one component in the summer and one in the winter.

Originated in the Caribbean and Mexico Bay, it has since spread to Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, much like many tropical species.

[5] It is thought that boats traveling through the Panama Canal assisted in distributing them, but some believe the species that currently inhabits Asia is different from Mytilopsis sallei and has been there all along.

[1] In Taiwan, the introduction of M. sallei caused declines of native hard clams, harmful changes in aquaculture systems, and economic losses.

[5] The species has also been associated with ecosystem damage and economic loss as they have been known to erode fishing facilities and other structures, leading scientists to believe its distribution should be carefully monitored.

Efforts to control the species were taken in Darwin, Australia including chemical treatment which resulted in total eradication of the population.

Studies have found that treating M. sallei larvae with magnesium and ammonia ions reduces their settlement, preventing their growth and development.