Anti-predator behaviour in the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis: byssus thread production depends on the mussel's position in clump.

The article presents a study which focuses on the implications of byssus thread production in the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis as an anti-predator mechanism. It notes that these mussels release large number of byssus threads during the threat of predation, and form clumps. The study establishes chemical stimulus treatments in which heterospecifics and conspecifics are damaged. Findings show that the anti-predator responses of the production of byssus thread may be related to the existence of damaged conspecifics, as well as the position of the mussels in the clump, which are indicators of pressure in local predation.