Larval development of Brachidontes solisianus (Bivalvia, Mytilidae): with notes on differences between its hinge system and that of the mollusk Perna perna

Abstract

This work, which is part of a study program on meroplankton larvae, aims to gain more in-depth knowledge about planktonic larvae. This study began with the mollusk Brachidontes solisianus (Bivalvia -Mytilidae), which is abundant on the rocky shores of the Cabo Frio region (state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Brachidontes solisianus larvae were grown under controlled conditions for a period of 26 days and were fed with Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis chui. The temperature was kept at 26 °C and the saltiness at 28‰. Images of the larvae were taken daily with a light camera and measured with a micrometric lens until settlement occurred. The average size of the first D-shaped veliger stage was 90 µm in length and 70 µm in height, while the size in the last stage before settlement (pediveliger) was 273 µm in length and 257 µm in height. The comparative study of the hinge system involved the most abundant intertidal species of the study area: Brachidontes solisianus and Perna perna. The B. solisianus species were found to have more visible denticles at the extremities of the provinculum, whereas the denticles of the P. perna species occur along the entire provinculum.Keywords: prodissoconch morphology, larval growth, hinge system. ReSumo

Modeling the succession of barnacles and mussels on a sandstone reef in Pernambuco State, Brazil

“…Brachidontes solisianus is a small bivalve that belongs to the Mytilidae family. It has free-swimming larvae that settle on hard, shallow substrates, and basal algal surfaces (Monteiro-Ribas et al, 2006). By forming aggregations, these animals may decrease the mortality rate that would otherwise result from temperature stress.…”

Malacofauna Macroscópica Nos Costões Rochosos Da Praia Da Ribanceira, Imbituba, Santa Catarina

“…A espécie Brachidontes solisianus é um pequeno bivalve da família Mytilidae encontrado em rochas de toda a costa brasileira (RIOS, 1994). Segundo Monteiro et al (2006), é uma espécie capaz de resistir ao sol quente durante as marés mais baixas, fixando-se nas rochas ou algas através do bisso. Os mitilídeos são também caracterizados como espécies eurialinas (HENRIQUES et al, 2006) e são predados principalmente por Thais haemastoma (CALIL, 2007), cuja abundância e densidade foram baixas neste estudo.…”

Rapid divergence of mussel populations despite incomplete barriers to dispersal

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