Zygochlamys patagonica spat: we found them!

BREMEC CLAUDIA; ESCOLAR M.; SCHEJTER LAURA; GENZANO GABRIEL

Halifax, Canada

Workshop; 16th. International Pectinid Workshop; 2007

During 2006, the study of epibiosis on  species of invertebrates was faced with particular emphasis in order to register the presence of recently settled spat (sensu Cragg, 2006) of Zygochlamys patagonica and to recognize their primary settlement substrate (PSS) in the exploited areas along the highly productive shelf break front. We found a total of 227 spats in 25 samples distributed along the latitudinal range of the Northern Sector. 78.4 % of the total number (average size 1116,33 ìm; range 480-2.304 ìm) was recorded on hydrozoan colonies and correspond to the higher values referred. The rest of the recruits were found on living scallops. In the Southern Sector we found a total of 37 spats in 10 samples. 86.5% of the total number (average size 1384,81 ìm; range 816-3.654 ìm) was recorded on hydrozoan colonies. We presently confirm the absence of spat on non-living scallops shells and other potential substrates (gastropods, polychaete tubes, echinoderms.).