Abstract
The endogenous circa‐tidal rhythm of swimming activity shown by Corophium volutator varies seasonally, and also over the spring to neap tide cycle. Semi‐lunar modulation is evident in both phase and amplitude and analysis of the free‐swimming period using a modified correlogram technique indicates that the rhythm also undergoes slight (<0.1 phase) changes in period which are correlated with similar variations in the period of the tide. Activity maxima are greatest at or just after the time of spring tides, and these peaks show a greater phase delay relative to the predicted time of high water than those recorded during the neap tide period. This semi‐lunar variation in phase is not significant during the winter when the rhythm is generally less distinct. It is suggested that the results are best interpreted in terms of two interactive oscillators, one of circadian, the other of circa‐tidal period, and the biological significance of these variations in the swimming pattern is considered.
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