Abstract

AGUIRRE VELARDE, Arturo  and  MENDO AGUILAR, Jaime. Growth and production of Donax obesulus Reeve, 1854 (Bivalvia: donacidae) at Sarapampa beach, Asia, Lima. Ecol. apl. [online]. 2008, vol.7, n.1-2, pp.63-70. ISSN 1726-2216.

Growth parameters and production of the population of D. obesulus at the exposed sandy beach of Sarapampa (100 km south of Lima) were estimated. Monthly samplings were carried out during a year (October 2005-August 2006) in 6 stations distributed throughout the beach. Lengthfrequency distributions were elaborated and the growth parameters of the Von Bertalanffy growth equation (VBGE) determined by ELEFAN I. Total mortality rate (Z) was estimated by the lengthbased catch curve method and production of somatic and shell components were estimated by the mass specific growth rate method. Growth parameters were estimated as K= 0.991 and L∞= 33.70 mm and total mortality as Z= 3.28. Mean biomass was calculated using the relation length-shell and free wet mass (SFWM = 0.0003 L3.061) as 54.10 g SFWM.m-2. The average production of this species was calculated in terms of ash free dry weight in 3.76 g AFDW.m-2.year-1. Individuals ranging from 22 to 23 mm contributed most to the total production (10.3%). Mean annual turnover rate (P/ B) was 1.20. Growth and production of this species is compared with other species of the same genus.

Keywords : Donax obesulus; growth; production; biomass; sandy beaches; Peru.

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