Active relocation in lepadomorph barnacles
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2000
Abstract
Comparative morphology of the cement delivery apparatus of three lepadomorph barnacles indicates that the lepadid Lepas anatifera is unable to relocate voluntarily, whereas the two scalpellids Pollicipes pollicipes and Capitulum mitella can. Mean relocation speeds of up to 50 μm d−1 were measured for both scalpellids, which are probably underestimates of maximal rates given the absence of a directed stimulus. In the laboratory neither gravity nor unidirectional flow proved effective stimuli in directing scalpellid relocation. The two scalpellid species use quite different mechanisms to effect relocation at a leading edge of the base, although both slough basal material at the trailing edge. It is suggested that basal growth effectively accounts for the mobility of P. pollicipes but C. mitella is likely to employ muscular activity.
- Type
- Research Article
- Information
- Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 80 , Issue 1 , February 2000 , pp. 103 - 111
- Copyright
- © 2000 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
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