Cirriped Balanus trigonus colonization and recruitment in artificial panels in estuarine waters in Santos -SP, Brazil: a 45 months study. Fabio Giordano, Roberto Pereira Borges, João Alberto Paschoa Santos, Sergio Rosso

Abstract

Fouling community organisms studies, specially the succession ones, reveal that someanimals appear to be opportunists. That’s the some barnacle’s case. The aim ofthis study is to identify outer Santos estuary cirripeds species and to revealtheir occurrence characteristics through 45 months in ceramic tiles. The workwas developed in two distinct fronts: succession evaluation and recruitmentevaluation. Also, it was evaluated mechanisms that possibly explain speciesoccurrence. Only one specie was found, Balanustrigonus, that clearly demonstrated periodicity. Your occurrence in longtime succession tiles indicated freed spaces that are available to be occupied. KeywordsBalanus trigonus; fouling;recruitment; ecological succession; Santos estuary