Abstract

Epibiont and predator effects on the growth and mortality of the northern scallop Argopecten purpuratus were evaluated in cultures in southern Chile. The most common epibionts were bryozoans, hydrozoans and algae in both study sites, Metri Bay (41 degrees 36'; 72 degrees 43'W) and Chidhuapi Channel (41 degrees 49'S; 73 degrees 05'W). After 12 months of culture in pearl nets and lantern nets, the scallops size did not show statistically significant differences in cultures with and without epibionts in both study sites nor were there differences in the growth either with or without the presence of predators (decapod crustaceans). The growth rate was higher in Chidhuapi Channel than in Metri Bay. Mortality was concentrated in the initial phase of culture in pearl nets. During the culture phase in lantern nets, the mortality rate was lower than 3%. The mortality rate in scallops with epibionts was higher than when these were removed in the culture phase in pearl nets. In Metri Bay the mortality rate with predators was higher than without predators. Epibionts and predators did not affect mortality in the culture phase in lantern nets. Epibionts and predation are important factors in the early mortality of scallops and therefore in the success of culture. Epibiosis, however, is not important in scallop growth in southern Chile. This is related to the composition of the epibionts and to the low temperatures which probably limit the growth of algae and invertebrates.