Rapana venosa (Valenciennes, 1846) (Mollusca:Muricidae): A new gastropod on south atlantic waters

PASTORINO G.; PENCHASZADEH P.E.; SCHEJTER L.; BREMEC C.

JOURNAL OF SHELLFISH RESEARCH

Año: 2000 vol. 19 p. 897 - 899

0730-8000

Rapana venosa (Valenciennes 1846) (Gastropoda: Muricidae), a mollusk native to Esatern Asia, is reported for the first time in Argentine waters in the north of Bahía Samborombón. During a routine bottom sampling, a female specimen of 97.1 and 76.3 mm shell lenght and width, respectively, and egg capsules were found approximately on 35.3ºS - 56.4ºW in 13 m of water. The possible way of entrance is discussed. The finding of egg capsules permits the supposition that the introduced population is sexually mature and actively breeding. The presence of banks of mussels (Mytilus edulis platensis) and oysters (Ostrea puelchana), probably prey, together with the occurence of egg capsules point aout that the development of R. venosa in Argentina could be ecologically and economically important.