Abstract
The vertical distribution of veligers, pediveligers and post-larvae of the mussel Mytilus edulis L. was examined in Kandalakshsky Gulf (White Sea), Russia. Plankton samples showed that about 65% of all planktonic larvae were collected from a depth of 1.5 to 3 m. Maximum numbers of veligers were found at 3 m, immediately above the thermocline. The vertical distribution of veligers was stable throughout the study. The vertical distribution of pediveligers, however, varied over time. Pediveligers were mostly observed at 3 m before settlement peaked while they migrated closer to the water surface (1.5 m) during the settlement period. Pediveliger concentrations were correlated positively with small phytoplanktonic cell (<150 μm) and dissolved organic matter concentrations before settlement peaked. Both factors were correlated negatively with pediveliger concentrations during the settlement period. Newly settled post-larvae mainly colonized settlement panels situated at 1.5 m below the water surface (ca 70% of total post-larvae abundance). These results support the hypothesis that planktonic larvae of M. edulis change their vertical distribution in relation to larval stages, which in turn, increases settlement success.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 179-187 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Marine Ecology Progress Series |
Volume | 218 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 20 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Habitat selection
- Larvae
- Mussel
- Mytilus edulis
- Settlement
- Vertical distribution
- White Sea
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Aquatic Science
- Ecology