Population dynamics of the rock oyster Striostrea prismatica in two different environments of the Mexican central Pacific

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Abstract

This study aimed to determine the population dynamics (size, weight, growth, and mortality) of the rock oyster Striostrea prismatica (Gray, 1825) settled in two different environments: the shallow rocky sublittoral of Faro de Campos and the Cuyutlan lagoon (Colima, Mexico). The oysters from Faro de Campos (coastal site) recorded greater size and weight than in the lagoon site. Analysis of the length-frequency distribution showed five modal groups in the overall population, four in the lagoon, and only three at the coastal site. The length-weight ratio indicated negative allometric growth in the oysters at both sites. Although the asymptotic length or infinite height (H_∞) and growth coefficient (k) were similar in the lagoon (H_∞ = 176 mm; k = 1.3 yr^-1) and in the coastal site (H_∞ = 174 mm; k = 1.06 yr^-1), the lagoon oysters reach maximum length in less time than those on the coast. Mortality indicators showed signs of overexploitation on both sites, particularly in the lagoon (exploitation rate, E = 0.62), and at the upper limit of population exploitation at the coastal site (E = 0.5). This information is relevant for the sustainable management of the species in the Mexican central Pacific.

Palacios Valdes, J., Chávez Villalba, J., & López Uriarte, E. (2026). Population dynamics of the rock oyster Striostrea prismatica in two different environments of the Mexican central Pacific. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research, 54(2). doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3856/vol54-issue2-fulltext-3457

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