Growth studies of the tropical intertidal limpet Acmaea antillarum

Abstract

The tropical intertidal limpet Acmaea antillarum (Sowerby) was used in a series of field and aquarium growth studies, carried out in Venezuela. Both field and aquarium experiments demonstrated the formation of diurnal growth ridges and subdiurnal periodic growth striations on the shell surface. It was shown in aquarium experiments that the normal growth pattern was inhibited in constant darkness and that continous illumination stimulated the formation of extra growth ridges. Alterations of the experimental sequence of illumination influenced the formation of subdiurnal growth markings. This secondary growth pattern appears to be distinct from the basic system of diurnal ridge formation. Limpet shell lengths were related to estimated age based on diurnal growth ridge counts. It is probable that maximum shell size is attained in less than 1 year. Equations for allometric shell growth characteristics were calculated relative to shell length. Calculations for instantaneous relative growth rate were made from natural populations, experimental field populations and aquarium specimens. These were compared to show that the field and aquarium experiments demonstrated similar growth rates. The results of these observations and calculations are compared with other molluscan growth studies.