Population structure of the snail Buccinanops globulosum (Prosobranchia, Nassariidae) in San Matías Gulf, Patagonia Argentina: Isolated enclaves?

Abstract

In San Matías Gulf (Patagonia, Argentina), Buccinanops globulosum is typically distributed in two different areas: the intertidal-subtidal zone of Playa Villarino, where conch length reaches up to 60 mm, and the inner channel of San Antonio Bay, where individuals are not larger than 30 mm. It is suggested that both populations of B. globulosum constitute independent enclaves adapted to the local conditions and with a different population structure. This comparative study focuses on the population structure, sex ratios, growth, and size at maturity at the two sites. The data collected reveal that the individuals in San Antonio ranged from 5 to 29 mm whereas those in Villarino ranged from 4 to 61 mm. It was also observed that in San Antonio Bay, generally males outnumbered females whereas exactly the opposite occurred in Villarino. In addition, females were larger and showed a faster growth than males in both study areas. The number of egg capsules on each female ranged from 8 to 25 in San Antonio Bay and from 5 to 66 in Villarino. Size at maturity of females in San Antonio Bay was estimated at 14.47 mm and maximum estimated length at 6 years old was 33 mm. The same parameters in the individuals from Villarino were 45 and 65 mm, respectively. The comparative analysis of the above-mentioned features poses the question of whether these two populations represent either different species or different forms of the same species.