Cirripedios en la dieta del molusco herbívoro Chiton granosus Frembly, 1827 (Mollusca, Placophora) presente en el intermareal rocoso de Iquique, norte de Chile

Abstract

Preliminary quantitative information is given on the presence of barnacle cyprids and post-metamorphic stages in the diet of the molluscan grazer Chiton granosus Frembly 1827 (Mollusca: Placophora) sampled at Iquique, Chile. In December 2000, we observed the presence of barnacle cyprids and post-metamorphic stages at a high relative percentage of abundance (N = 30, 54,1% and 39,9%, respectively) and they were frequent in all of the individuals analyzed. Moreover, a high frequency of ocurrence of cyprid larvae (F% = 67) was recorded in the distal portion of the intestine; of these larvae, 15 were observed with signs of vital activity (appendage movement) in 45% of all the stomachs analyzed. Ingestion, of barnacle cyprids and post-metamorphic stages was observed at a high frequency throughout the five months of the study (N = 10, 96% ± 6,5 and 78% ± 23,6).