Resumen

SAMPEDRO-M, ALCIDES C; PRASCA-S, SANDRA M; SUAREZ-V, DANIELA  y  ESCOBAR-S, LILIBETH. Populations of quitones (Mollusca: Poliplacophora) in artificial seawalls of Coveñas, Sucre, Colombia. Caldasia [online]. 2012, vol.34, n.2, pp.397-407. ISSN 0366-5232.

The work was conducted in two artificial seawalls in Coveñas, Sucre, Colombia. The objectives were to determine the species of chitons found in that ecosystem and to establish their abundance, spatial distribution, activity and morphological features. The study also sought to investigate the role of seawalls in increasing local biodiversity. We measured abiotic factors and recorded the organisms present. The species of chitons found in Coveñas seawalls are the same that appear in natural rocky shorelines of nearby regions, such as in the department of Cordoba. The populations of chitons are in similar good condition to those found in other natural regions of the Caribbean. Chitons forage at night and return to their resting sites during the day. Average sizes are larger than those reported for other regions. Abiotic factors measured do not appear to affect the annual variations in the abundance of chitons, which may be more related to tidal changes. The aggregated spatial distribution and association in the same microhabitats of different species of chitons seem to be influenced by the structure of seawalls and the limited tidal range, which are characteristic of this region. Seawalls support various interrelated species and thus increase the local biodiversity.

Palabras clave : Polyplacophora; Acanthopleura; Chiton; biodiversity; wave containment walls; Coveñas.

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