Shell shape, morphometrics and relative growth of four sympatric limpet species from the Algarve coast (southern Portugal)

Abstract

AbstractThis study analysed and compared the shell shape, morphometrics and relative growth of four sympatric limpet species (Patella depressa,Patella ulyssiponensis,Patella vulgataandSiphonaria pectinata) collected at Praia da Luz in Lagos (Algarve coast – southern Portugal). Morphometric relationships were established through regression analysis between linear (shell length, width and height), ponderal (total weight), area (shell base and surface areas) and volume variables (shell internal and total volumes). Relative growth (isometryvsallometry) was analysed to assess variation in the growth rate of morphometric variables throughout the species ontogeny. In addition, morphometric indices (ellipticity, conicity, density, surface area and volumetry) were calculated to further characterize shell shape. Overall, 1482 individuals with broad size and weight ranges were analysed (P. depressa= 354;P. ulyssiponensis= 306;P. vulgata= 408;S. pectinata= 414). All regressions were highly significant (P< 0.001) and the morphometric variables were strongly correlated (r= 0.761 to 0.994). Among 28 morphometric relationships, there were 14 isometries, 13 positive allometries and only one negative allometry. The morphometric indices revealed clear morphological differences between species and were mostly size-dependent, reflecting gradual changes in shell shape during growth. The main results are compared with a compilation of analogous data reported for these limpet species throughout their distributional range. Overall, the general trends in relative growth are discussed in terms of the species life habits, main traits and functional morphology.