Annual feeding cycle of the Patagonian scallop Zygochlamys patagonica (King and Broderip, 1832) in Reclutas bed (39ºS-55ºW), Argentine Sea

SCHEJTER L.; BREMEC C.; AKSELMAN R.; HERNÁNDEZ D.; SPIVAK E.

JOURNAL OF SHELLFISH RESEARCH

Año: 2002 vol. 21 p. 553 - 559

0730-8000

This paper deals with the diet of the Patagonian scallop, Zygochlamys patagonica, during a yearly period at Reclutas bed (39ºS – 55ºW), Argentine Sea, and relates the results with the oceanographic conditions and the growth pattern known for this species. Scallops (n=180) from 6 samples were dissected and gut contents were identified and counted. Results showed a predominance of diatoms in the diet and maximum food ingestion in spring. Maximum somatic (muscle) growth for this species at the same study site was also found during spring. It is suggested that after the spring phytoplanktonic bloom, oceanographic conditions (thermocline in development) allow the sedimentation of food particles to the bottom; this input of energy could produce the somatic growth documented for this filter-feeding species.