Population biology of the burrowing shrimp Callichirus seilacheri (Decapoda : Callianassidae) in northern Chile

Hernaez, P; Wehrtmann, IS

Abstract

The life history of ghost shrimps, known for their role in shaping community structures in shallow water habitats, is poorly studied in species occurring along the coasts of the South American Pacific. Here we present ecological information concerning Callichirus seilacheri based upon individuals collected from January to December 2003 in Las Machas beach, northern Chile. Burrow densities varied between 1.4 and 20.2 burrows / 0.25 m2, and was highest during summer (18.2 burrows / 0.25m2). The sex proportion was 1:1 during most of the study period; however, females outnumbered males in January and September. Males reached a larger maximum size than females (27.1 and 24.0 mm CL, respectively). The presence of juveniles was restricted principally to the time between February and May. Sexual maturity was reached at a size of 20.8 mm (males) and 18.1 mm CL (females). The main breeding period lasted from autumn to winter (May to August, peaking in June), and co-occurred with decreasing water temperatures and the presence of a sediment layer covering the burrows.

Más información

Título según WOS: Population biology of the burrowing shrimp Callichirus seilacheri (Decapoda : Callianassidae) in northern Chile
Título según SCOPUS: Population biology of the burrowing shrimp Callichirus seilacheri (Decapoda: Callianassidae) in northern Chile
Título de la Revista: REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA TROPICAL
Volumen: 55
Número: SUPPL. 1
Editorial: REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA TROPICAL
Fecha de publicación: 2007
Página de inicio: 141
Página final: 152
Idioma: English
Notas: ISI, SCOPUS