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The Distribution of Marine Invertebrate Larvae Near Vertical Surfaces in the Rocky Subtidal Zone
Author(s) -
Graham Krista R.,
Sebens Kenneth P.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/2265513
Subject(s) - crustose , biological dispersal , biology , coralline algae , invertebrate , mussel , plankton , larva , marine invertebrates , ecology , algae , population , demography , sociology
The realized dispersion patterns of marine invertebrate larvae were examined in the field for a range of larval types that differ in their potential for dispersal. Plankton samples were collected near three subtidal rock walls over a 2—yr period. Larvae to sessile invertebrates were identified and counted in each sample and analyzed for density differences among: (1) three distances from the rock surface; 1—5 cm, 1 m, and >200 m, (2) 1—5 cm above crustose coralline algae—covered surfaces and 1—5 cm over invertebrate—covered surfaces and, (3) 1—5 cm and 1 m from rock surfaces on days of high flow speed vs. days of low flow. Larvae with short dispersal times, such as ascidian tadpole larvae and hydroid actinula larvae, were more abundant 1—5 cm away from rock walls than 1 or >200 m away from rock surfaces. They were usually more abundant over invertebrate—covered surfaces than over crustose coralline algae—covered surfaces as well. Larvae with long planktonic dispersal times, but which were competent to settle (e.g., mussel pediveligers) were more abundant 1—5 cm away from rock walls than at 1 or >200 m away from rock walls. These larvae were often more abundant over invertebrate—covered surfaces than over crustose algae—covered surfaces also. Larvae with long planktonic dispersal times, but which were not competent to settle (e.g., Anomia veligers and mussel veliconcha—stage veligers) had similar densities at all distances from rock surfaces. These larvae occurred at similar densities over both invertebrate—covered surfaces and crustose algae—covered surfaces. Larvae that exhibited differences in density with distance from vertical walls, such as ascidian larvae, mussel pediveligers, and hydroid actinula larvae, were more thoroughly mixed into the mainstream flow away from rock surfaces on days of high flow compared to days of low—flow conditions.