The most cosmopolitan freshwater gastropod invades the Lower São Francisco River: first record of Physella acuta in Sergipe

Biological invasion and habitat modification are major drivers of biodiversity loss. River damming, in particular, leads to hydrological, limnological, and habitat disruptions, and facilitates the introduction, establishment and spread of alien species. In Brazil, most alien freshwater mollusk species have been observed in reservoirs.

This study documents the first occurrence of the highly widespread exotic freshwater gastropod Physella acuta (Physidae) in Sergipe, Brazil. In February 2019, individuals of P. acuta were observed along the margin of the Xingó reservoir. The individuals were photographed in situ and collected for identification in the laboratory.

Results confirm the first occurrence of P. acuta in Sergipe, expanding its known range in Brazil and updating the list of the invasive species in both Sergipe and the Lower São Francisco River.