A hierarchy of settlement cues influences larval behaviour in a coral reef sponge

Ettinger-Epstein, Piers, Whalan, Steve, Battershill, Christopher N., and de Nys, Rocky (2008) A hierarchy of settlement cues influences larval behaviour in a coral reef sponge. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 365. pp. 103-113.

[img]
Preview
PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Download (464kB)
View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps07503
 
37
1162


Abstract

For sessile marine invertebrates, processes contributing to larval release, dispersal, and settlement in favourable habitats are central to patterns of distribution and community structure. We quantified larval release patterns, phototactic behaviour, and settlement in response to environmental cues for the coral reef sponge Luffariella variabilis. Individual sponges released up to 830 larvae d–1. Larvae displayed phototactic behaviours by swimming upwards after release for brief periods (40 min), after which time most larvae (>95%) exhibited negative phototaxis. Light played a role in determining numbers and rates of larval settlement. Light levels of 56 µmol s–1 m–2 reduced the rate of settlement and inhibited larval settlement by 60% compared to dark controls. However, at lower light levels (0.7 to 0.34 µmol s–1 m–2), both time to settlement and numbers of larvae settling were consistent with settlement in dark controls. Larval settlement increased in the presence of other larvae, with >95% of larvae settling when placed in treatments with 50 individuals, compared to 50% settlement for treatments containing only 1 individual. The gregarious settlement of L. variabilis larvae was associated with conspecific larval settlement cues. Settlement in ‘conditioned’ water from which 200 larvae had previously settled and subsequently been removed was 80%, compared to 20% in controls. Our study unequivocally demonstrates that a conspecific cue not related to adults or other biotic or abiotic factors induces settlement in larvae. Our observations, the preference of larvae to settle in response to low light levels and of settlement increased by gregariousness, correspond with the cryptic and clumped distribution of L. variabilis in the field.

Item ID: 6806
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 0171-8630
Keywords: marine sciences; OIRS; porifera; light; gregariousness; larval settlement; settlement cues
Date Deposited: 11 Feb 2010 04:14
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl Marine Ichthyology) @ 100%
SEO Codes: 83 ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 8301 Fisheries - Aquaculture > 830199 Fisheries - Aquaculture not elsewhere classified @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 1162
Last 12 Months: 93
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page