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JOURNAL OF PLANKTON RESEARCH | VOLUME 3 | NUMBER 4 | PAGES 567-575 | 1981
© Oxford University Press

research-article

Seasonal species composition of barnacle larvae (Cirripedia: Thoracica) in Rhode Island waters, 1977–19781

William H. Lang2 and Anne Ackenhusen-Johns3

2Present Address: U.S. Dept. Interior, New York Outer Continental Shelf Office, Federal Building Suite 32-120, 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278 3Present Address: Department of Geography & Marine Affairs, University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI 02881

Received on August 1, 1980; accepted on April 1, 1981

Cirripede larvae can occur year-round in temperate and tropical waters, often in significant numbers, yet the species composition of the ‘Balanus sp.’ component is rardy studied. Weekly plankton samples were analyzed qualitatively for larval cirripede species and stage over a year (1977–1978) at two Rhode Island stations. Six species of larvae were found in Lower Narragansett Bay ({cong}30°{per thousand} salinity). Semibalanus balanoides and Balanus balanus have a single winter brood. S. balanoides is the predominant winter breeder with a minor release of nauplii in early December and major release in March followed by cyprids in mid-April.B. balanus populations release all larvae in March with cyprids in mid-April. Balanus crenatus is mainly a winter breeder, but has multiple broods; it does not breed in July-September when the water temperature is above 18°C. Balanus venustus is the predominant summer breeder, and larvae were observed from May through December (water >8°C). Larvae of Chthamalus fragilis and Balanus eburneus occur in low numbers from May-October. At the Pettaquamscutt River site ({cong}12{per thousand} salinity), Balanus improvisus larvae predominate and early stage nauplii (I-II) occur in samples year round (0–27°C). Two peaks of later stage nauplii and cyprids occur in late spring (May) and early winter (Nov.-Jan.). Continued temperatures bdow 5°C or above 20°C appear to inhibit larval development.

Comparison of results with existing literature reveals several significant findings. The bimodal rdease of S. balanoides larvae is unusual and may be in response to the phytoplankton dynamics of the year; however, the existence of distinct races of S. balanoides may also be a factor. Larvae of B. venustus predominate in the lower bay during the summer, yet this species is unreported in past studies. B. improvisus nauplii are more cold tolerant than previously reported. Comparison of findings with reported breeding patterns in Florida indicate significant differences in temperature responses between northern and southern populations.

1Contribution No. 188 from EPA Environmental Research Laboratory, South Ferry Rd., Narragansett, RI 02882


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