Temporal and spatial variation in the distribution of epineustonic competent larvae of Concholepas concholepas along the central coast of Chile

摘要: The abundance of competent epineustonic larvae the gastropod Concholepas concholepas (Gastropoda: Muricidae) in nearshore waters at 2 sites along central coast Chile was examined through monthly plankton tows from July 1999 to June 2000. Larvae were found collections February 2000 with maximum September and October. Settlement artificial collectors deployed onshore on lower intertidal zone showed same unimodal pattern a settlement peak during October November. Variation larval distribution among sampling dates related occurrence north-south winds. We that C. more abundant closer shore after moderate southerly wind periods than calm days, probably because shoreward advection upper sea surface layer. While strong coastal upwelling event (produced by southwesterly winds), only upwelled between front coast. This unusual contrasts what would be expected for typical larvae, suggesting existence mechanism transport or retention which stay near settling areas, thus avoiding offshore dispersion.