Feeding of the Patagonic scallop Zygochlamys patagonica (King & Broderip, 1832) in Reclutas bed (39ºS-55ºW)

SCHEJTER L.; BREMEC C.; AKSELMAN R.; HERNANDEZ D.

Coquimbo, Chile

Workshop; 13th International Pectinid Workshop; 2001

The objective of this research was to study the diet of Zygochlamys patagonica during an yearly period. Variation in the diet throughout the year, growth pattern and oceanographic conditions was also discussed. Twelve species of diatoms and cysts, five species of dinoflagellates and two different forms of cysts, two species of silicoflagellates, prasinoficeans and a number of organisms and rests grouped as miscelanea were found in gut contents of patagonian scallops. It is possible that processes of sedimentation or phytoplankton “rain” to the bottom occur during spring (October-November) in Reclutas bed, allowed by the oceanographic conditions (termocline in formation), originating an incremet in food supply after the phytoplankton bloom occurs (ending September, October). This could explain the abundance of cells registered in gut contents during November, phenomenon that agrees with the maximun somatic (muscle) growth observed previously by other authors.