THE INFLUENCE AT MICROSCALE OF MINERALS ON THE SETTLEMENT OF CHTHAMALUS SPP.

Martina Canessa; Laura Gaggero; Andrea Costa; Federica Passarelli; Giorgio Bavestrello

Martina Canessa University of Genoa
Laura Gaggero University of Genoa
Andrea Costa University of Genoa
Federica Passarelli University of Genoa
Giorgio Bavestrello University of Genoa

Keywords: ctamalids; biomineralogy; quartz; calcite; Mediterranean Sea.

Abstract

A microscale study on the distribution of Chthamalus spp. on rocky substrates in which different types of minerals are simultaneously present was carried out on the Alisu cliff (western side of Corso Cape, Corse). In this site, the substrate is a highly metamorphosed paragneiss containing about 60% limestone organized in bands of about 0.1 mm. In addition, centimeter-sized veins and nodules of quartz are present on the rock surface. On this particular substrate, the barnacles are arranged following the schistosity of the rock presumably in relation to the calcite veins, while clearly avoiding the quartz structures. These data confirm the hypotheses already formulated on carbonates' positive role and on quartz's antagonistic effect on barnacle settling.