Preliminar study of the mussel (Perna perna) primary settlement on three rocky algae at Ubatuba, SP

Abstract

This paper deals with the intensity of settlement of seeds of the mussel Perna perna on three species of algae (Chaetomorpha antennina, Sargassum cymosum and Chnoospora minima), collected on two natural banks in Ubatuba, SP: coast of Tenorio Beach (sampling Station 1), and coast of Prainha Beach (sampling Station II). During the period of July 16 to October 29, 1985, samplings were made of the three species of algae at fortnightly intervals. Weekly, water temperature and salinity were measured. The settlement of seeds occurred on both banks and the continuous primary fixation rose up from the third week of September. The fixation density was always higher on the banks of Station I. The temperature and salinity did not show significant difference between the two sampling stations. These results show that S. cymosum was the best species of algae to monitor the settlement of mussel plantigrades on natural banks.