Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://dspace.mediu.edu.my:8181/xmlui/handle/10261/3240
Title: Depth regulation in parenchymella larvae of a demosponge: relative roles of skeletogenesis, biochemical changes and behavior
Depth regulation in demosponge parenchymella larvae
Keywords: Depth regulation
Larval behavior
Larval composition
Photobehavior
Sponge larvae
Publisher: Inter Research
Description: To assess factors that influence depth regulation of sponge larvae, we documented ontogenetic changes In larval size and shape, lipid and protein content, skeletal development, and photoresponse in Sigmadocia caerulea, a shallow-water demosponge in the order Haplosclerida. We also measured size and biochemical differences among larvae from different parents to determine how depth regulation might vary across the population. Larvae were photonegative during the entire freeswimming period. Younger larvae swam faster than older larvae, but older larvae swam away from light for greater time and distances. Sinking rates of anesthetized larvae increased as a function of age, not because of lipid depletion or shape changes, but because addition of spicules Increased density. Neither lipid nor protein changed significantly during larval life, but protein content increased abruptly just after settlement. Minor differences In length and protein content among offspring from different parents had no apparent effect on depth regulation Both active movement and passive sinking play roles in moving late-stage larvae towards the sea floor, but increase in larval spicular mass appears to be the most important factor
This study was supported by a Fulbright Fellowship awarded to M.M. (FU93-0227057). This is contribution number 1149 of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution
Peer reviewed
URI: http://dspace.mediu.edu.my:8181/xmlui/handle/10261/3240
Other Identifiers: Marine Ecology Progress Series. Vol. 148: 115-124, 1997
http://hdl.handle.net/10261/3240
Appears in Collections:Digital Csic

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