Characterization of the fouling community of macroinvertebrates on the scallop Nodipecten nodosus (Mollusca, Pectinidae) farmed in Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

The culture of marine molluscs became, in the last ten years, an important source of income for communities living along the coast of Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The scallop Nodipecten nodosus is a species with high potential for aquaculture, and cultivation at pilot/experimental scale has been carried out in the state with excellent prospects. The present study aimed to identify and characterize the fouling organisms on N. nodosus and also assess scallop growth and survival. Samples were collected from N. nodosus shells cultured at Canto Grande Beach, Santa Catarina State, from June 2006 to July 2007. Thirty-one taxa of eight groups were collected from scallop valves, but only 10 taxa represented more than 98% of the total abundance. Despite increased richness of species and differences in abundance and diversity, no evidence of ecological succession was found. Even after 467 days of study without cleaning the valves, scallops presented high growth (5.58 mm month^–1) and survival rates (~90%).