High-frequency observations of early-stage larval abundance: do storms trigger synchronous larval release in Semibalanus balanoides?
Gyory, J.; Pineda, J. (2011). High-frequency observations of early-stage larval abundance: do storms trigger synchronous larval release in Semibalanus balanoides? Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 158(7): 1581-1589. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-011-1671-1
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, more
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| Abstract |
The acorn barnacle, Semibalanus balanoides, is thought to release larvae in response to phytoplankton blooms, but there is evidence that another, unidentified cue for release may exist. We conducted high-frequency sampling in Little Harbor, Massachusetts, USA, to determine whether early-stage larval abundance was related to several environmental variables, and to characterize vertical distributions of the larvae. Larval concentrations peaked at 2.52 and 1.02 individuals l-1 during two storms. Larvae were more abundant near the surface than near the bottom. We suggest the hypothesis that turbid conditions and upward-swimming behavior may protect newly-released larvae from predation and cannibalism. Future studies should test this hypothesis with barnacles and other invertebrates. |
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