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Light responses of the larva of the serpulid polychaeteGaleolaria caespitosa

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Abstract

AdultGaleolaria caespitosa were collected at Cape Banks and Balmoral Bay, both in the vicinity of Sydney, Australia, from October 1985 to February 1986. Planktotrophic larvae of this serpulid polychaete are negatively phototactic at irradiance levels between 10 and 2 000x1014 q cm-2 s-1. The effective spectral range lies below 530 nm. Early metatrochophore larvae are less strongly photonegative; later they become photopositive. The photopositive phase persists into the actively swimming 3-setiger stage. Older setigerous larvae are photoneutral, demersal and positively thigmotactic. The strength of the photonegative response is not affected by the level of irradiance. The photopositive response is weaker at low levels of irradiance. The photonegative behaviour of young larvae may keep them at an optimal level for feeding. The subsequent photopositive phase may increase chances of being washed ashore and the terminal, photoneutral, thigmotactic phase may be important in the selection of a suitable site for settlement. Comparisons are made with light responses of two other serpulid species. Larval responses to light may be important infitness, especially in relation to successful niche occupation by adults.

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Communicated by R. W. Doyle, Halifax

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Marsden, J.R. Light responses of the larva of the serpulid polychaeteGaleolaria caespitosa . Mar. Biol. 99, 397–407 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02112133

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