Population aspects of burgao Cittarium pica (Gastropoda: Tegulidae) in the rocky shore of Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia

Abstract

Several population aspects of Cittarium pica and their relationship with environmental variables and substratum coverage characteristics were assessed in rocky littorals in 3 stations (Bahía Concha = B.C, Bonito Gordo = B.G and Taganga = TAG) at Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia. The study area presented an abundance of 3,821 individuals, and a density of 2.65 (± 4.76) Ind/m2. It was estimated that each individual provides 0.0482 g/Ind of biomass to the next trophic level, providing a total of 0.1279 g/m2. Small size individuals predominated (98.09%), followed by medium size individuals (1.83%), and large size individuals (0.08%). Considering the recaptured individuals, it was observed that the C. pica population in the study area behaved as an open population. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated an asymptotic length (L∞) of 94.14 mm, and a growth coefficient (K) of 0.32 mm/year, whereas the observed growth was 0.1094 mm/day. Total mortality rate (Z) was estimated in 1.71/year, and exploitation rate (E) in 0.65. A strong C. pica overexploitation was proved in the rocky littorals of Santa Marta, Colombia.