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The queen conch Lobatus gigas represents one of the most important fishery resources of the Caribbean. The conch’s life cycle is highly complex, implying various ontogenic habitat shifts and migrations. The distribution of juveniles is generally restricted to certain areas and the failure to recognize this, may have caused bias in previous studies, either towards aspects of juvenile ecology or adult ecology. Few studies have addressed connectivity between nurseries and reproductive aggregations. Xel-Ha’s inlet is a natural protected area under private administration, hosting a population of L. gigas. In the present study, we assessed size distribution and mobility throughout the inlet using a stratified mark-recapture scheme at four sites (Cueva, Centro, Bocana and Brazo Norte) in order to determine how L. gigas uses its habitat throughout its life and how the different stages of its life cycle connect. A total of 8,292 conchs were tagged between 2005 and 2011. The population was composed of 70% juveniles. At Cueva, Centro and Brazo Norte mainly juveniles were captured, while at Bocana mostly adults were encountered. Mobility increased in adult and sub adult conch and during summer months. Spatial distribution and mobility were associated with length and lip thickness, suggesting that conch might undergo an ontogenetic niche shift as they reach sexual maturity, which explains these gregated size distribution.

journal of fisheries and aquaculture development

Mobility and Spatial Connectivity Between Nursery and Adult Populations of the Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas) In A Natural Protected Area of the Mexican Caribbean