Shell shape as an indicator of phenotypic stocks of Tehuelche scallop (Aequipecten tehuelchus) in Northern Patagonia, Argentina.

GETINO MAMET LN; SORIA RG; SCHEJTER L; FEDERICO MARQUEZ

MARINE BIOLOGY RESEARCH

TAYLOR & FRANCIS AS

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2022

1745-1000

The understanding of phenotypic plasticity in a heterogeneous environment is relevant at theecological level, but also to the identification of discrete stocks that may be important forfisheries management. Tehuelche scallop, Aequipecten tehuelchus, is a commerciallyexploited species in Argentina that presents three morphotypes: tehuelchus, madrynensisand a non-common variant felipponei. The main goal of this study was to analyse the shellshape variation of Tehuelche scallop to differentiate and identify the phenotypic stocks. Theshape differences of A. tehuelchus were assessed using geometric morphometrics in ninelocalities of the two main morphotypes. The shell shape presented variability at geographicscale, with the larger differentiation between morphotypes. Scallops from madrynensismorphotype presented circular shell discs with smaller auricles than those from tehuelchusmorphotype. Morphometric differentiation was detected among localities of eachmorphotype, mainly related to the disc circularity and the symmetry of the auricles. Thepresence of morphological shell variations and the plastic nature of the species hasrelevance in the context of fishery management, especially if zoning and rotationalstrategies are implemented based on the differentiation of phenotypic stocks.