Growth patterns and population dynamics of Chiton articulatus (Mollusca: Polyplacophora): A multi-decade study

The edible chiton Chiton articulatus is a commercially important mollusk found in the rocky intertidal zones of the Mexican tropical Pacific. Despite the intense harvesting in Acapulco Bay, Mexico, knowledge of its growth patterns is limited, hindering the development of effective management strateg...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine environmental research 2024-07, Vol.199, p.106604, Article 106604
Main Authors: Valencia-Cayetano, Carlos, López-Martínez, Juana, Padilla-Serrato, Jesús Guadalupe, Flores-Garza, Rafael, García-Ibáñez, Sergio, Méndez-Bahena, Alfredo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Chiton
Ectotherm
El Nino
El niño
Harvest/gathering
Human exploitation
La Nina
littoral zone
Mexico
molluscs
Multi-model inference
Polyplacophora
Polyplacophora - growth & development
Polyplacophora - physiology
Population Dynamics
species
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Summary:The edible chiton Chiton articulatus is a commercially important mollusk found in the rocky intertidal zones of the Mexican tropical Pacific. Despite the intense harvesting in Acapulco Bay, Mexico, knowledge of its growth patterns is limited, hindering the development of effective management strategies. This study investigated the growth dynamics of C. articulatus using a multi-model inference approach based on size structure data collected in four sampling periods covering four decades. Results revealed continuous recruitment throughout the year, contributing to population resilience. The species exhibited growth plasticity, highlighting its adaptive potential. We found complex temporal patterns influenced mainly by climatic events. The El Niño event sowed higher growth rates and lower asymptotic length, while La Niña events showed the opposite pattern. This research provides insights into the growth dynamics of C. articulatus, highlighting the need for holistic management strategies for this commercially important species in the face of environmental change. [Display omitted] •Continuous recruitment of Chiton articulatus contributes to population resilience.•C. articulatus shows growth plasticity under varying environmental conditions.•El Niño: faster growth, lower asymptotic lengths in C. articulatus.•La Niña: slower growth, higher maximum lengths in C. articulatus.•Holistic approach vital for C. articulatus growth dynamics and management.
ISSN:0141-1136
1879-0291
1879-0291
DOI:10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106604