[A comparison of the growth of 2 species of Pomacea from the Antilles area useful as an agent to control tropical diseases].

A comparative study was made on the growth of 2 Pomacea species (P. glauca and P. paludosa) of the Caribbean area. The occurrence of ecological differences reflected on the growth parameters is noted. These discrepancies may be influenced by differences in the physical-chemical and environmental status of the localities under study, but a clear-cut ecological difference between both species can be observed. Growth parameters (K and L phi), as well as the growth curves, suggest they are slow-growing species with a long life range. Differently from intermediate hosts, which are fast-growing species with a short life range, Pomacea species may keep stable populations in permanent bodies of water. It means an important advantage as biological control agents.