Growth of Argopecten purpuratus (Mollusca: Bivalvia) on a natural bank in Northern Chile: sclerochronological record and environmental controls

摘要: Daily striae on the shell of scallop, Argopecten purpuratus, were used to investigate its growth in a protected population within La Rinconada Bay, near Antofagasta (2nd Region, Northern Chile), and determine how environmental forcings control growth. This sclerochronological approach was useful describe daily posteriori. Mean rates calculated between February October 1999 from shells six specimens harvested 15 1999. A multiple regression analysis performed environ- mental data shows that temperature increase stimulates whereas particulate organic carbon concentration might be stressful above 2.5 mg L −1 . The lunar cycle also have an effect growth, most potent around New Moons, by synchronizing endogenous oscillator. age at commercial size (90 mm) only 10-11 months Marine Reserve von Bertalanffy parameters K = 2.24 y H∞ 117 mm. Differences performances this study previous ones dealing with A. purpuratus may explained different methods for modelling, higher rate seabed compared suspended cultures, particular (e.g. El Nino Southern Oscillation-ENSO events). Growth performance seems better during Nina than events, probably because large in- crease (above highest temperatures recorded "normal" conditions) decline coastal upwelling (which affects food availability) Nino. appears as very favourable site purpu- ratus active zone off Antofagasta. These new insights confirm importance area supporting repopulation endangered wild stocks scallop aquaculture Chile.