Macrofauna associated with the false abalone resource Concholepas concholepas (Bruguière, 1789) in Arequipa – 2016

Abstract

Between March/April, September/October, and November/December 2016, studies were carried out in Islay (between Mollendo and Hornillos) and Camaná (between La Chira and La Planchada) to characterize the macrofauna associated with the false abalone. A total of 36 samples were obtained in Islay and 28 in Camaná per depth stratum (<5 m, 5-10 m, 10-15 m, 15-20 m) by using semi-autonomous diving and were analyzed in their composition and abundance through the Primer software. In the communities of Austromegabalanus psittacus, an assemblage consisting mainly of arthropods was observed. The communities of Pyura chilensis had differences at latitudinal and seasonal levels, a seasonal gradient was recorded with the greatest species richness in March and April for both provinces. Islay presented greater values of richness (S), diversity (H(loge)), and uniformity (J) throughout the year, and an assemblage formed mainly by Phylla Mollusca, Arthropoda, and Annelida was observed. According to the first component of the PCA, the complexity level of an assembly of P. chilensisand A. psittacus (Shannon - H(loge)) would be determined by the percentage of juveniles and false abalone density, the second component was a function of the biomass and false abalone density on the complexity of these communities. The ABC curves showed high values of H(loge) and W for the communities of P. chilensisand A. psittacus in Islay; there was a decrease in H(loge) and W in Camaná between October and November.