Abstract
The present paper deals with ecological aspects of the pulmonate gastropod Siphonaria lessoni (Blainville, 1824), a common member of fouling communities in Mar del Plata's port (38°08′17″ S, 57°31′18″ W). Populations on colonized panels of an experimental raft were studied during three annual cycles, to determine feeding habits, growth and various factors which restrict their distribution on floating substrata. Although S. lessoni is harmless as a fouling organism, its grazing on the algal belt clears a part of the substratum's surface, which is then quickly colonized by truly aggressive organisms such as Balanus amphitrite.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have