Monthly changes in Mussel spat (Mytilus platensis D'ORB) settlement on artificial collectors in the San José Gulf, Argentina.

Abstract

The monthly settlement of mussel spat (Mytilus platensis d'Orb) in the San José Gulf (Argentina, 42°20 S, 64°30' W) was analyzed. Data were collected using artificial substraía immersed for twomonths. Juveniles settled throughout the year, with a period of máximum settlement in spring and a smaller peak of recruitment in late summer/early fall. The main settlement of plantigrades on immersed substraía was simultaneous with the two annual peaks of chlorophyll "a". The periods of main settlement were dominated by the prevalence of the < 2 mm post-larval fraction.