Resumen

PRIETO, Antulio S.; RUIZ, Lilia J.  y  HERNANDEZ, Hildemar. Dinámica energética del crecimiento en una población del mejillón Modiolus squamosus en el Golfo de Cariaco, Venezuela. INCI [online]. 2004, vol.29, n.2, pp.74-79. ISSN 0378-1844.

The quantity of biomass produced in gonads, somatic tissue, byssus and shell organic matrix was studied throughout a year (July ‘95-July ‘96) in individuals of Modiolus squamosus collected at Tocuchare, Gulf of Cariaco, Venezuela. The specific biomass of each component was evaluated using monthly length-dry weight equation, a model of population growth and the gonosomatic index. The dry weight of somatic and gonadal tissue was maximal from February through August and minimal between September and January. The production of somatic (Ps), byssus tissues (Pb), and organic matrix of shell (Pc) reached a maximum at 2 years of age. Gonad production (Pg) evaluated by weight loss (g) in three principal periods of spawning (August-September ’95, February-March ‘96 and June-July ‘96) increased with length (Lt, mm) and age, from a value of 0.10g at one year to 1.53g at 5 years of age, according to the equation Pg=1.82·10^-7Lt^3.58 (r²=0.96; P<0.05). Reproductive effort Pg/(Pg + Ps)·100, showed a progressive increase with age, from 8% at 0.5 years of age. Total production (P) also increased with age; however, the ratio production/biomass (P/B) decreased with age of the population. The gonad and somatic tissue presented a seasonal growth in spite of M. squamosus being a multiple spawner.

Palabras clave : Bivalvia; Dinámica Energética; Esfuerzo Reproductivo, Modiolus squamosus; Molusco.