Comparison of the biology, dynamics, and secondary production of Talorchestia brito (Amphipoda, Talitridae) in Atlantic (Portugal) and Mediterranean (Tunisia) populations

Abstract

The biology, population dynamics, and production of Talorchestia brito were studied at two sandy beaches located on the Atlantic (Portugal) and on the Mediterranean (Tunisia) coasts, respectively. The seasonal variation in abundance and the overall densities were similar in both populations. Reproduction occurred from February to September in the Atlantic, and from March to early November in the Mediterranean. The sex ratio was male biased in the Atlantic, and female biased in the Mediterranean. Based on data from the Atlantic population, both abundance and the proportion of reproductive females were positively correlated with temperature, while the proportion of juveniles in the population was positively correlated with temperature and sediment moisture. On average, individuals from the Atlantic were larger than the ones from the Mediterranean. Life span was estimated at six to nine months in the Atlantic, and five to eight months in the Mediterranean. Talorchestia brito was shown to be a semiannual species, with iteroparous females producing two broods per year, and exhibited a bivoltine life cycle. The minimum age required for males' and females' sexual differentiation and for female sexual maturation was shorter in the Mediterranean. Growth production ( P) was estimated at 0.19 g m −2 y −1 ash free dry weight (AFDW; 4.3 kJ m −2 y −1) in the Atlantic population, and 0.217 g m −2 y −1 AFDW (4.9 kJ m −2 y −1) in the Mediterranean one. Elimination production ( E) was estimated at 0.35 g m −2 y −1 AFDW (7.9 kJ m −2 y −1) in the Atlantic, and 0.28 g m −2 y −1 AFDW (6.3 kJ m −2 y −1) in the Mediterranean. The average annual biomass ( B ) (standing stock) was estimated at 0.032 g m −2 in the Atlantic beach, and 0.029 g m −2 in the Mediterranean one, resulting, respectively, in P/ B ratios of 5.9 and 7.5 and E/ B ratios of 10.8 and 9.6. Like other talitrids, T. brito exhibited geographic variation in morphometrical characteristics, sex ratio, growth rates, life span, and reproduction period, with the Atlantic population presenting a slower life history.