Attachment strength and colonization patterns of two macrofouling species on substrata with different surface tension (in situ studies)

Abstract

Attachment strength and colonization patterns of one barnacle (Balanus c.f. variegatus) and one polychaete species (Pomatoleios kraussii) on seven artificial substrata with surface tensions between 19 and 64.5 mNm-1 were studied between June 1991 and January 1992 at Laem Than (Chonburi province, Gulf of Thailand). The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the role that surface tension plays under natural conditions in colonization success by these species. Does stronger adhesion to one substratum result in higher densities of specimens on that particular surface? Although both species adhere much better on substrata with higher surface tension than on surfaces with low surface tension (B. c.f. variegatus: between 0.04×105 and 16.35×105Nm-2 on surfaces of 22 and 33.5 mNm-1, respectively; P. kraussii: between 0.22×105 and 1.73×105Nm-2 on 19 and 33.5 mNm-1, respectively), colonization pattern is not influenced by surface tension. The major factors influencing settlement patterns seem to be space competition for B. c.f. variegatus and attraction to already settled adults by P. kraussii. The results show that the importance of surface tension in marine fouling control is limited because organisms colonize substrata successfully despite lower adhesion. Attachment strength is not a limiting factor under natural conditions.