Age and growth variability of the yellow clam (Mesodesma mactroides) in two populations from Argentina: implications under climate change

Abstract

Morphometric relationships and age and growth rates of the yellow clam (Mesodesma mactroides Reeve, 1854 = Amarilladesma mactroides (Reeve, 1854)) were compared in two populations from Argentina: Santa Teresita (36°32′00″S) and Mar del Plata (37°57′52″S). The Santa Teresita clams were heavier (shell, soft parts) than the Mar del Plata clams. Cross sections stained with Mutvei’s solution and acetate peels revealed an internal shell growth pattern of well-defined slow-growing translucent bands and alternating fast-growing opaque bands. Translucent bands (clusters) representing external rings were formed mostly during October in both sites, coinciding with gonadal maturation processes and spawning. Data confirm the annual formation of translucent bands in this species. Comparison of growth parameters showed a higher growth rate k and lower maximum age in Mar del Plata (8 years) than in Santa Teresita (9 years), which could be triggered by differences in salinity between localities due to the influence of the Rio de la Plata estuary, which is strongly linked to climate variability. Shell mass condition index and Oceanic Niño Index were negatively correlated, showing the influence of El Niño in shell properties of the species. Considering that events are becoming more intense and frequent, changes in growth rates and shell properties of Santa Teresita’s population could be expected to be more vulnerable under climate change.