The distribution, growth, and reproduction of the Antarctic limpet Nacella (Patinigera) concinna (Strebel, 1908)

• Published in: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology
• Main Author: Picken, G.B.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Elsevier 1980
• Subjects: Antarctic; The Antarctic; Austral; South Orkney Islands; Signy Island; Nacella; Antarc*
• Online Access: http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/524992/; https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-0981(80)90167-7

Twenty-one monthly collections of the Antarctic limpet Nacella (Patinigera) concinna (Strebel, 1908) were obtained by divers at Signy Island, South Orkney Islands. A mean monthly population density of 123.7 ± 21.2 · m−2, mean biomass of 13.7 ± 2.7 g dry tissue wt · m−2, and annual production of 2.9 g · m−2 were recorded in the depth range 2–12 m below mean low water. Shell growth was slow with a maximum growth rate, in the first 3–5 yr of life, of 3 4 mm per year. Maturity was attained at 7–8 yr (21 mm length), and maximum size (41 mm length) at about 21 yr. Unique spawning behaviour was observed in two Austral springs, and data relating spawning to the spring increase in sea temperature were obtained.