Dr. Brante-Ramirez, Antonio

The mussels Perumytilus purpuratus and Semimytilus algosus are two dominant species of intertidal rocky shores of central Chile. These species have marked differences in their distribution patterns with P. purpuratus dominating the mid-intertidal zone and S. algosus dominating the lower intertidal zone usually in habitats influenced by sand. Although it has been suggested that differences in tolerance to environmental conditions, such as air exposure and presence of sand, can explain the distribution of these species, there are currently no experimental studies to support such hypotheses. Here, we evaluated the growth and survival rate in the field of both mussel species at four different tidal heights: 25, 75, 135, and 175 cm above the zero tide. In addition, filtration rates were estimated for both species in the presence and absence of sand in laboratory conditions. The results showed that shell and wet weight growth rates of P. purpuratus were highest in mid- and medium-high tidal heights, whereas the growth rate of S. algosus was highest in the medium-low level. Similar pattern was observed for survival percentage. Furthermore, small S. algosus individuals cultivated with sand in suspension had significantly higher filtration rates than P. purpuratus. In large individuals, no differences were observed between the two species nor between treatments (presence and absence of sand). These results indicate that the differences in the distribution patterns of P. purpuratus and S. algosus in the intertidal can be explained by differences in physiological tolerances to both air exposure and to the presence of sand.

Homing behaviour is frequently observed in marine intertidal invertebrate species. This behaviour may help species to deal with the environmental variability of the intertidal, providing shelter during low tides and areas to explore and search for food during high tides. The capacity of individuals to show fidelity behaviour should be an adaptive trait, due to the uncertainty that finding a new shelter in each tidal cycle implies. Chiton granosus is a common polyplacophora of the Southeastern Pacific rocky intertidal zone. During high tides, individuals move throughout the substratum in search of food; meanwhile, they are found within crevices in groups of variable sizes during low tides. According to previous works, this species shows some degree of fidelity to these shelters. Using field and laboratory experiments, we herein evaluate the factors determining the degree of site fidelity in C. granosus, taking into account the distance travelled from the shelter and food availability. Also, we evaluated the importance that chemical signs from the pedal mucus have in aiding C. granosus to return to its refuge. Field observations showed that C. granosus presents variable levels of site fidelity covering a maximum distance of 50 cm from its shelter. Laboratory results suggested that fidelity to shelters is related to the proximity of food sources. Chemical cues from the pedal mucus could be used to find the shelter after exploratory activities during high tides.