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Breeding biology of the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite (Crustacea: Cirripedia): influence of environmental factors in a tropical coast
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 03 June 2009
Abstract
Barnacles are the common fouling organisms encountered in coastal waters around the world. In the present study, breeding biology of the intertidal barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite (=Balanus amphitrite) was studied for a period of two years (July 2003 to June 2005) in the Kudankulam coastal waters. Results showed that A. amphitrite breeds throughout the year in the study area. A high percentage of individuals with free nauplii in the mantle cavity was observed during March 2004 (47.6%) and May 2004 (41.7%). Barnacles with fertilized eggs in the ovary were high during November 2004 (56%), March 2005 (46.7%) and April 2005 (42.8%). Overall, a peak breeding activity was observed during the March–May period. The breeding activity showed a significant positive correlation with surface water temperature and phytoplankton abundance.
- Type
- Research Article
- Information
- Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 89 , Issue 6 , September 2009 , pp. 1203 - 1208
- Copyright
- Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2009
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