Chthamalus Montagui Research Articles

Molecular analysis separates the Atlantic population of Montagu's stellate barnacle into two cryptic species

AbstractThe distribution of the intertidal barnacle Chthamalus montagui spans the West Mediterranean Sea and the Northeast Atlantic shores of Europe and West Africa. Knowledge of the phylogeography of this species has been limited to the Mediterranean and the European shores of the Atlantic. The present study considers the populations of West Europe, but also focuses on the overlooked populations of West Africa. We performed a molecular analysis using two markers: the mitochondrial COI gene and the nuclear rRNA ITS gene. Whereas ITS proved to be non‐informative, COI has demonstrated that the East Atlantic population of C. montagui comprises two genetically distinct clades: a northern clade that ranges from Mauritania to Scotland and a southern clade that comprises the populations from Senegal. These clades are separated by the Cape Verde Front, which stretches west of the upwelling area off Mauritania. We consider these clades as two cryptic species of the nominal species C. montagui.

Response of intertidal barnacles to air temperature: Long-term monitoring and in-situ measurements

A twenty-five year (1994–2018) survey at 10 rocky sites within Lough Hyne Marine Reserve (SW Ireland) showed that, despite considerable spatial and temporal patchiness, three barnacle species (Chthamalus stellatus, Semibalanus balanoides, and Austrominius modestus) declined in overall abundance in the early 2000s, particularly at three sites. There was no clear response of A. modestus or C. stellatus to the cold winters of 2010 and 2011. In 2004, however, S. balanoides declined suddenly, but showed a slight recovery after the cold winter of 2010 to maintain sparse populations in the lough, but remained abundant outside the lough. A fourth species, Chthamalus montagui, showed a different pattern, with wide fluctuations in abundance but no overall decline. Changes in the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation may have influenced the overall composition of barnacle populations. Rising maximum air temperatures, resulting in high body temperatures recorded for A. modestus even during mild days, are suggested to have impacted the barnacle populations as a result of the prolonged aerial exposure times caused by the lough's asymmetric tidal pattern.

Dispersal of alien invasive species on anthropogenic litter from European mariculture areas

The importance of mariculture areas for the dispersal of alien invasive species (AIS) on artificial floating items has recently been highlighted as a priority research need. Here we present the results of surveys in two important European shellfish culture areas that release rafting AIS, the Venetian lagoon and the Portuguese Algarve region. We found eight aquaculture-related non-native, invasive species attached to anthropogenic litter items mostly related to aquaculture: Amphibalanus amphitrite, Austrominius modestus, Balanus trigonus, Hesperibalanus fallax, Hydroides elegans, Hydroides sanctaecrucis, and Magallana angulata. These species are well-adapted to rafting on artificial surfaces and have a high potential to disperse via this vector. This is the first record of the notorious nuisance species H. sanctaecrucis both in the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic, as well as on floating litter. We also present the first records of M. angulata, H. sanctaecrucis, Sabellaria alveolata, Mytilus edulis and Chthamalus montagui on stranded anthropogenic litter.

The vertical distribution and abundance of Chthamalus stellatus Poli and Chthamalus montagui Southward (Crustacea, Cirripedia) at two localities of the Istrian peninsula coast (North Adriatic)

Two species of chthamalid barnacles are well established from the upper to the lower limit of the midlittoral zone on the rocky shores of the North Adriatic Sea: Chthamalus stellatus, Poli and Chthamalus montagui, Southward. The present study deals with the vertical distribution and abundance for each species at two localities of the Istrian peninsula coast (North Adriatic Sea). For this purpose chthamalid populations were monitored in 2015 along the Slovenian marine coast (Bay of Koper, Gulf of Trieste) and along the Croatian marine coast, near Rovinj (west Istrian coast), both on limestone. The main aim of the study was to establish if there was a relationship between the vertical distribution and abundance of these two species at different spatial scales: small (between sites, about 1 kilometer) and large (between localities, 10s of kilometers). The selected localities are slightly different in tidal range, in orientation and wave exposure. Three sites were randomly selected at each locality and two transects per tidal level (upper, middle and lower) were chosen on each site. The abundance of each chthamalids species in 1 dm2 plots was determined at three different tidal levels along each transect. The results indicated that the vertical distribution of C. montagui and C. stellatus was very similar between localities and even among sites, but their abundance varied. At both localities, C. montagui was more abundant in the upper and middle tidal levels, while C. stellatus was more abundant at the lower tidal level. It was also found that C. montagui was more abundant in sheltered conditions (Bay of Koper), while C. stellatus on the coast more exposed to the wave action (near Rovinj), at all tidal levels.

Phylogeography on the rocks: The contribution of current and historical factors in shaping the genetic structure of Chthamalus montagui (Crustacea, Cirripedia).

The model marine broadcast-spawner barnacle Chthamalus montagui was investigated to understand its genetic structure and quantify levels of population divergence, and to make inference on historical demography in terms of time of divergence and changes in population size. We collected specimens from rocky shores of the north-east Atlantic Ocean (4 locations), Mediterranean Sea (8) and Black Sea (1). The 312 sequences 537 bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I allowed to detect 130 haplotypes. High within-location genetic variability was recorded, with haplotype diversity ranging between h = 0.750 and 0.967. Parameters of genetic divergence, haplotype network and Bayesian assignment analysis were consistent in rejecting the hypothesis of panmixia. C. montagui is genetically structured in three geographically discrete populations, which corresponded to north-eastern Atlantic Ocean, western-central Mediterranean Sea, and Aegean Sea-Black Sea. These populations are separated by two main effective barriers to gene flow located at the Almeria-Oran Front and in correspondence of the Cyclades Islands. According to the ‘isolation with migration’ model, adjacent population pairs diverged during the early to middle Pleistocene transition, a period in which geological events provoked significant changes in the structure and composition of palaeocommunities. Mismatch distributions, neutrality tests and Bayesian skyline plots showed past population expansions, which started approximately in the Mindel-Riss interglacial, in which ecological conditions were favourable for temperate species and calcium-uptaking marine organisms.

Revisiting Connell: competition but not as we know it

Space is one of the primary limiting resources for organisms on the intertidal rocky shore. This paper examined the effect of reduced density on key traits (mortality and growth) on the intertidal barnacles, Chthamalus montagui and Semibalanus balanoides, on the mid-shore in Plymouth, UK. Intra- and interspecific treatments comprising of C. montagui and S. balanoides were manipulated to reduce densities at two similar sites. Changes in mortality and operculum growth were assessed over an 8-week period using digital photography. Covariates of growth included nearest neighbour distance, competition between closest pairs and initial size. Conflicting patterns were observed when comparing growth rates between treatments and sites. At Site 1, interspecific treatments had a lower growth rate than intraspecific treatments, whereas at Site 2, interspecific growth rates were higher. ANCOVA showed that nearest neighbour distance had no significant effect on growth, but when comparing differences in growth of closest neighbouring pairs, C. montagui treatment showed evidence of competition whereas S. balanoides did not. ANCOVA analysis indicated no difference in growth between each outcome of pair competition, suggesting winners are initially bigger than losers. Comparisons of mortality between treatments indicated mortality over time with no significant differences observed between treatments, but response surface methodology (RSM) revealed no effects of competition on mortality of S. balanoides, but negative effects of both intra- and interspecific competition on C. montagui survivorship. Examination of natural populations of barnacles in the mid-shore indicated there was strong spatial variation in growth rates, perhaps driven by small-scale differences within sites.

Short-term losses and long-term gains: The non-native species Austrominius modestus in Lough Hyne Marine Nature Reserve

The non-native barnacle species Austrominius modestus was first recorded in Ireland, close to Lough Hyne marine nature reserve in 1957. This species was not recorded inside the Lough until 1980, but by 2001 was the dominant intertidal barnacle within the reserve. It has been suggested that increases in the abundance of this species at other locations in Europe may be linked to increasing sea surface temperatures, and that A. modestus is an “ecological sleeper”. Despite an overall trend for increasing sea surface temperatures, this long term warming is punctuated by extreme events such as severely cold winters. A. modestus is warm water adapted, and has been recorded to decrease in abundance following cold winters. The winters of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 were amongst the coldest recorded in Ireland in past decades. In the present study, higher levels of mortality were recorded for A. modestus than native barnacle species in Lough Hyne following these cold winters. Additionally, this species was recorded at lower abundances at the majority of sites surveyed in Lough Hyne in 2011 compared with 2009. Despite this, A. modestus remains the dominant barnacle species in the Lough and monitoring the recruitment of intertidal barnacles within Lough Hyne during 2014–2015 revealed that A. modestus was the most abundant recruit at study sites, both in removal plots and in the pre-existing community. The year-round breeding of A. modestus in addition to the closed nature of the Lough promotes A. modestus within the reserve. Despite this, native barnacle species continue to persist in Lough Hyne, though generally at low abundances, with the exception of exposed locations such as the Rapids and Bullock Island where natives outnumber A. modestus. The future intertidal barnacle community within the Lough is likely to be dominated by A. modestus with Chthamalus montagui and C. stellatus being abundant at sites which are not suitable for A. modestus. While the consequences of this are unknown, it is possible that the presence of A. modestus may alter trophic interactions and energy flow within the reserve.

Phenotypic variation in shell form in the intertidal acorn barnacle Chthamalus montagui: distribution, response to predators and life history trade-offs

The acorn barnacle Chthamalus montagui can present strong variation in shell morphology, ranging from flat conic to a highly bent form, caused by a substantial overgrowth of the rostrum plate. Shell shape distribution was investigated between January and May 2004 from geographical to microhabitat spatial scales along the western coast of Britain. Populations studied in the north (Scotland and Isle of Man) showed a higher degree of shell variation compared to those in the south (Wales and south-west England). In the north, C. montagui living at lower tidal levels and in proximity to the predatory dogwhelk, Nucella lapillus, were more bent in profile. Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine behavioural responses, and vulnerability of bent and conic barnacles to predation by N. lapillus. Dogwhelks did not attack one morphotype more than the other, but only 15 % of attacks on bent forms were successful compared to 75 % in conic forms. Dogwhelk effluent reduced the time spent feeding by C. montagui (11 %), but there was no significant difference between conic and bent forms. Examination of barnacle morphology indicated a trade-off in investment in shell structure and feeding appendages associated with being bent, but none with egg or somatic tissue mass. These results are consistent with C. montagui showing an induced defence comparable to that found in its congeners Chthamalus anisopoma and Chthamalus fissus on the Pacific coast of North America, but further work to demonstrate inducibility is required.

How picky can you be? Temporal variations in trophic niches of co-occurring suspension-feeding species

Suspension-feeders largely dominate faunal communities on rocky shores and compete for food using different feeding strategies. We used stable isotopes to assess the individual specialization within common suspension-feeder populations and to evaluate both inter-specific and intra-specific differences in food source exploitation. Trophic niches were characterized by metrics calculated in a space formed by mixing model outputs. Honeycomb worms (Sabellaria alveolata), blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and barnacles (Chthamalus montagui), as well as three organic matter sources (benthic microalgae, phytoplankton and green macroalgae) were surveyed over a year using stable isotopic compositions (δ13C, δ15N). Adult specimens from each species were analyzed separately. Results showed persistent differences in δ13C and δ15N signatures between consumers, suggesting a possible limitation in inter-specific competition among co-occurring suspension-feeders, yet receiving the same food mixture during high tide. The width of the trophic niche was estimated for each species by transforming the isotopic space defined in a δ-space (δ13C vs. δ15N) into a p-space defined by the proportions of food sources in a ternary plot. For each species, several metrics were calculated to estimate the diversity of individual diets of species. Species able to retain small particles and selectively sort particle based on their quality showed higher trophic diversity within the population but a smaller temporal variation in trophic niche.

Chthamalus montagui as biomonitor of metal contamination in the northwest coast of Portugal

The concentrations of seven metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn) were determined in coastal seawaters and soft and hard tissues of the barnacle Chthamalus montagui from the northwest coast of Portugal to assess the potential use of C. montagui as biomonitor of metal contamination. The results of this study showed that C. montagui soft tissues can be used for monitoring metal bioavailabilities in these coastal seawaters: (1) there were significant correlations (p < 0.05) between the metal concentrations in soft tissues and their concentrations in seawaters and (2) barnacle soft tissues were sensitive to spatial variation of metal bioavailabilities, accumulating different amounts of metals in different locations. The range of concentrations in tissues were: 0.59-1.7 mg Cd kg(-1), 0.5-3.2 mg Cr kg(-1), 0.72-3.0 mg Ni kg(-1), 1.2-6.7 mg Cu kg(-1), 9-26 mg Mn kg(-1), 214-785 mg Fe kg(-1) and 178-956 mg Zn kg(-1); (3) mean logarithmic bioaccumulation factors (log BAF) of Fe, Cr and Cd were higher, 5.49, 4.93 and 4.46, respectively, than mean log BAFs of Mn, Zn, Cu and Ni, 4.03, 3.97, 3.74 and 3.61, respectively. In contrary, C. montagui shell plates were not a good matrix to monitor metal bioavailability in these coastal seawaters, with no significant correlations (p < 0.05) between metal concentrations in the shell and in seawater. Regarding the high Zn concentrations obtained in the coastal seawaters and C. montagui soft tissues, all seawaters from northwest coast of Portugal should be classified as "moderately/remarkably polluted".

Physiological tolerance predicts species composition at different scales in a barnacle guild

This study examined how the species composition of an intertidal barnacle guild varied according to physical gradients in the environment at small scales governed by microclimates, medium scales of wave exposure and large scales of latitude. Barnacle distributions at small and medium scales were sampled in Ireland between 51°29′ and 52°44′N and 6°50′ and 10°08′W. Sampling on European shores spanned ~18° latitude from 37°05′ to 55°16′N. Barnacle surveys mainly took place in 2003–2004. An index of wave fetch was calculated along the wave exposure gradient using a digital coastline-based model that was supported by a biological exposure scale. A ‘dryness’ index was defined according to mean monthly wind speed, fetch along the average wind direction and mean monthly air or sea surface temperatures for 2 years (January 2001–December 2002) which is the period when the most recent adults in the barnacle community would have settled and grown to adulthood. The proportion of the dry-loving barnacle Chthamalus montagui Southward increased within the barnacle guild at all scales as the habitat became warmer and drier. Barnacle densities were high in all habitats, mean densities ranged from a minimum of 4.16 cm−2 on moderately exposed shores to a maximum of 6.27 cm−2 in sunlit or south-facing microclimates. Percentage cover of barnacles across the gradient of latitudes was usually >70%. The results suggest that the distribution and abundance of interacting barnacle species on European coasts is strongly controlled by abiotic factors, most likely temperature and desiccation.

Spatial and temporal distribution of barnacle larvae in the partially mixed estuary of the Ría de Arousa (Spain)

The aim of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of the larvae of several barnacle taxa ( Elminius modestus, Balanus group, Chthamalus spp., Verruca stroemia and Pollicipes pollicipes) in the partially mixed estuary of the Ría de Arousa (Galicia, NW Spain). The study was conducted during nearly three years (1999–2001) at seven larval stations distributed along the ria. The possible larval dispersal mechanisms involved are discussed using the information of the intertidal distribution in the ria of adult E. modestus, Perforatus perforatus, Balanus crenatus, B alanus improvisus, Semibalanus balanoides, Chthamalus montagui, Chthamalus stellatus, V. stroemia and P. pollicipes. The larvae of all barnacle species, with the exception of Balanus, showed a spatial gradient of distribution along the estuary, reflecting adult distributions in the intertidal zone. E. modestus larvae were most abundant in the inner part showing marked larval retention inside the estuary. Chthamalus larvae showed highest larval abundance in the outer part of the ria to lowest in the inner part, parallel to the spatial adult distribution along the estuary, suggesting that it completes its larval development inside the estuary due to some mechanism of larval retention. The larvae of V. stroemia and P. pollicipes entered the estuary far beyond where their adult populations were established, while Balanus larvae were widely distributed along the whole ria without any gradient. Based on the barnacle larval abundance, the sampling stations grouping divide the Ría de Arousa into two main groups along the estuarine salinity gradient: the inner one was clearly dominated by E. modestus and Balanus while the central–outer one was dominated by Balanus, Chthamalus and V. stroemia. Moreover, both areas (specially the central–outer one) could be again subdivided based on the relative presence of the barnacle species more characteristic of the extremes of the estuarine gradient ( E. modestus and P. pollicipes). All the larval cirripedes in the Ría de Arousa, with the exception of V. stroemia, showed the typical seasonal abundance pattern of temperate species, generally being most common in spring and summer. Balanus and E. modestus larvae were present in the ria during the whole year, with Balanus peaking mainly in spring and summer, while E. modestus did not display a seasonal pattern that was repeated among years, normally peaking in summer, although in some years the larval abundance in autumn and/or spring was much higher. In contrast, Chthamalus had the shortest period of larval occurrence (spring and summer) with strong seasonality. Larvae of the boreal barnacle V. stroemia were collected throughout the year, with the exception of November and December, although its temporal distribution differed from the other temperate barnacles found in the ria, winter and spring being the seasons of higher abundance, instead of spring–summer.

Distribution of barnacles and dominance of the introduced species Elminius modestus along two estuaries in South-West England

Estuaries often show clearly recognizable changes in the distribution of organisms along environmental gradients from riverine to fully marine conditions. Surveys performed along the horizontal axis of the Plym and the Yealm Estuaries identified patterns of distribution and abundance of intertidal barnacles and provided a new assessment on the dominance exhibited by the non-native species Elminius modestus in these estuaries. Elminius modestus occurred furthest up in estuaries and was dominant along most of their length, with the exception of few sites closest to the sea; Chthamalus montagui had the most restricted degree of penetration up-estuary; and Semibalanus balanoides occurred at low abundances, with limits of penetration located between those of C. montagui and E. modestus. At many sites, E. modestus was the only barnacle species found. There were changes in the relative abundances of these three species in several particular locations within the Plym and the Yealm in comparison to previous accounts made in the last decades, which, in most cases led to increased dominance of E. modestus. This was mainly due to reductions in the abundances of S. balanoides. Physico-chemical conditions experienced after settlement, especially deposition of silt, exposure and salinity regime contribute to the patterns described here.

Persistent border: an analysis of the geographic boundary of an intertidal species

The biological performance of species close to their biogeographic boundaries is of critical interest in a period of rapid climate change and can inform predictions of future patterns of distribution. The classic view is that performance attributes (reproduction, growth, survival) will gradually decline from the centre towards the edge of a species range. A persistent discontinuity in the distribution of the intertidal barnacle Chthamalus montagui on the central south coast of England has enabled us to test hypotheses about its performance and recruitment as the range edge is approached. Although adult density was reduced by over 5 orders of magnitude along a 200 km dis- tance, there was little evidence of impaired performance at the range edge. There have been fluctu- ations in abundance over the last 50 yr at shores approaching the border, which are associated with changes in temperature and suggest thermal sensitivities. A study of recruitment in C. montagui and in other intertidal barnacles revealed a region of very low recruitment for all species close to the bor- der of C. montagui. We propose that reductions in larval supply caused by complex regional hydrog- raphy and suboptimal habitat quality, not adult performance, is most likely responsible for a steep gradient in recruitment as the border is approached, although possible reductions in larval perfor- mance cannot be totally discounted. The location of 'low recruitment cells' caused by oceanographic processes that obstruct the dispersal of propagules needs to be identified when modelling the rate of change of biological assemblages and the location and spacing of reserves.

An amphibious mode of life in the intertidal zone: aerial and underwater contribution of Chthamalus montagui to CO2 fluxes

The contribution of the intertidal barnacle Chthamalus montagui to CO2 fluxes via respiration and calcification was measured both in the air and underwater. The mean biomass of the species was 44.92 g ash-free dry weight (AFDW) m–2 on the coast of Brittany, France. Underwater respiration, determined from changes in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), fluctuated from 6.14 µmol g–1 h–1 in winter to 13.37 µmol g–1 h–1 in summer. The contribution of C. montagui respiration to DIC fluxes for an average daily immersion time of 8 h was 3.21 mmol m–2 d–1. Mean aerial CO2 respiration was estimated at 7.60 µmol g–1 h–1 using an infrared gas analyser, corresponding to 5.46 mmol m–2 d–1 if the mean daily emersion time is 16 h. Net calcification was positive, with a mean value of 1.01 µmol g–1 h–1, corresponding to a CO2 flux of 0.25 mmol m–2 d–1. The total mean daily emission of CO2 by C. montagui populations was 8.92 mmol m–2 d–1. The annual carbon production by the species was 39.07 g m–2 yr–1 with relative contributions by aerial respiration, underwater respiration and net calcification of 61, 36 and 3%, respectively. The daily ratio of aerial:underwater carbon emission was 1.7, emphasizing the prevalence of aerial respiration and the metabolic adaptation of C. montagui to amphibious life

Population dynamics of the barnacle Chthamalus montagui at two spatial and temporal scales in northern Spain

This study describes spatial and temporal patterns of variability in population parameters in the barnacle Chthamalus montagui Southward in three localities of northern Spain and evaluates whether density-dependent settlement may regulate population dynamics. The sampling design considered two spatial scales, localities and sites within localities, and two temporal scales, years and six month intervals. Density, amount of free space, mortality, growth rate and magnitude of settlement (both absolute and per unit of free space) were obtained from photographs of permanent quadrats and from direct counts in the field. The number of settlers in scraped and untouched quadrats was used to estimate the importance of the presence of conspecifics in settlement. Significant variation at the two spatial and temporal scales was found for most parameters. Large spatial and temporal variations in adult mortality rate, density, and settlement were observed. Patterns of mortality were not consistent with differences in density among localities. Differences in settlement among localities were maintained through time. We suggest that magnitude of settlement is regulated by persistent features such as topography or local water circulation. We assume that early post-settlement mortality does not differ among localities. In the absence of differential mortality, settlement determines average population density within localities. Within localities, settlement was independent of density and free space. No consistent evidence was found on preferential settlement at the vicinity of conspecifics. The main conclusion is that density-dependent settlement is not relevant for the regulation of the populations of C. montagui in the northern Spain. Regulation might occur by density-dependent processes within the adult fraction of the population and/or the larval phase before settlement.

Secondary production, calcification and CO2 fluxes in the cirripedes Chthamalus montagui and Elminius modestus

Calcification, a process common to numerous marine taxa, has traditionally been considered to be a significant source of CO(2) in tropical waters only. A number of relatively recent studies, however, have shown that significant amounts of CO(2) are also produced in temperate waters, although none of these studies was carried out on rocky shores, which are considered to be very productive systems. We compared the CO(2) fluxes due to respiration and calcification in two temperate species, the cirripedes Chthamalus montagui and Elminius modestus. The population dynamics of both species were estimated at two sites during a 1-year experimental period in order to establish mean organic (ash-free dry weight) and CaCO(3) (dry shell weight) production. Based on these parameters, we estimated the CO(2) fluxes due to respiration and calcification. CaCO(3) production was estimated to be 481.0 and 1,803.9 g(CaCO3) m(-2) year(-1) at each site, representing 3.4 and 12.7 mol(CO2) m(-2) year(-1) respectively, of released CO(2). These fluxes represent each 47% of the CO(2) released as a result of respiration and calcification. The production of CaCO(3) at the high-density site was: (1) among the highest values obtained for temperate organisms, and (2) comparable to the estimated CO(2) fluxes for coral reefs. As calcifying organisms are well represented in temperate ecosystems in terms of both density and biomass, our results provide clear evidence that calcification of temperate organisms should not be underestimated. Additional studies on other rocky shore taxa are needed before the relative importance of calcification in rocky intertidal carbon budgets can be generalized.

Horizontal and vertical distribution of cirripede cyprid larvae in an upwelling system off the Portuguese coast

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 329:145-155 (2007) - doi:10.3354/meps329145 Horizontal and vertical distribution of cirripede cyprid larvae in an upwelling system off the Portuguese coast Antonina dos Santos1,*, A. Miguel P. Santos1, David V. P. Conway2 1Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e das Pescas—IPIMAR, Av. Brasília, s/n, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal 2Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, UK *Email: antonina@ipimar.pt ABSTRACT: The distribution of cirripede cyprids in relation to associated oceanographic conditions was obtained from a grid survey and intensive vertical sampling at a fixed station located 21 km off the northwest Portuguese coast in May 2002. Analysis of cyprid length composition allowed separation of 3 species groups. Chthamalus montagui, Pollicipes pollicipes and Balanus perforatus were largely restricted to the neuston layer and showed only low-amplitude vertical migration. Most C. stellatus cyprids only appeared in the upper 20 m at night, a migration which did not appear to be affected by physical conditions in the water column, but some differences in the vertical migration pattern between days were probably related to varying light penetration. C. montagui is the most abundant adult species found along the Portuguese coast, but C. stellatus cyprids, at densities of up to 8.7 ind. m–3, were the most common sampled in all depth strata at the fixed station. Cyprid horizontal distribution was mainly restricted to an offshore band along the inner shelf, where highest densities were 11 to 15 ind. m–3. This distribution pattern was considered to result from upwelling-favourable wind conditions, creating fronts along the shelf in which the cyprids become concentrated. Cyprid vertical migration, in association with current vertical shear and onshore movement of fronts during upwelling-relaxation periods, may be the mechanisms returning cyprids to the coast to settle. The regularity of these events in the region falls within the period of cyprid viability. KEY WORDS: Cirripede cyprids · Distribution · Chthamalus stellatus · Vertical migration · Portuguese shelf Full text in pdf format PreviousNextExport citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 329. Online publication date: January 11, 2007 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2007 Inter-Research.

Effect of rock type on the recruitment and early mortality of the barnacle Chthamalus montagui

Discontinuities in distribution of sessile species due to changes in available habitat have rarely been investigated. In the English Channel, soft sedimentary rocks including chalk could potentially present a barrier to eastward range extension of the southern barnacle Chthamalus montagui. To test the effect of rock type on recruitment and mortality, prepared settlement tiles of four calcareous rocks that form important platforms close to existing limits of distribution were fixed to the shore at a site in south-west England, known to have consistently high larval settlement. Prior to fixation, the roughness parameter “ R a” and Potential Settlement Sites (PSS) index was measured. Recruitment was monitored photographically on four occasions during the settlement season and subsequent mortality for 7 months after the settlement season. By the end of the settlement season, recruitment on the hard Kimmeridge Cementstone was significantly less than on the other three rock types and attributed to low surface roughness and fewest Potential Settlement Sites (PSS), yet only 28% of variance could be attributed to PSS. Post-recruitment mortality was more variable, however after 7 months there were significant differences between rock types. Simultaneous surveys of post-recruitment mortality in natural populations showed that although recruitment on chalk can potentially be high, survivorship was relatively low. Thus rock type could be influential in setting species geographical limits.

Reproductive development of the barnacle Chthamalus malayensis in Hong Kong: implications for the life-history patterns of barnacles on seasonal, tropical shores

Hong Kong, lying just below the Tropic of Cancer (22°17′N, 114°09′E), experiences a strongly seasonal environment, with a cool almost temperate winter and a hot, tropical, summer. Histological sectioning of the gonads of the high-shore barnacle, Chthamalus malayensis Pilsbry, showed a seasonal trend in the development of its reproductive organs. Four stages of female gonad development were identified according to the cell types present: post-spawning, resting, growth and mature stages. The female gonad was mature from April to November, which was related to seawater temperatures, and entered a resting phase from December to March. Although the male gonad showed a seasonal developmental trend and reached maximum maturity in summer, the seminal vesicles were full of spermatozoa and functional throughout the year. The reproductive season of this species is therefore solely dependant upon the maturity of the female gonad. The estimated maximum number of broods per year was up to 10 and the maximum number of eggs produced per brood can reach 3,000 eggs. The minimum size for female gonad maturity was 6 mm rostro-carinal diameter (RCD) at which size, the barnacles were ~6-month old. Sperm production occurred at a smaller size (2 mm=2-month old). Compared with Chthamalus montagui and Chthamalus stellatus from temperate regions, C. malayensis produced a greater number of broods per year, had a longer reproductive period and faster gonad development. Chthamaloid barnacles in tropical regions may, therefore, invest more energy per year in reproduction during their life span. Contrary to the seasonal gonad developmental pattern of C. malayensis in the present study, however, C. malayensis in Singapore (which experiences only slight seasonal variation) had mature female and male gonads throughout the year, further supporting the strong role of climatic conditions effecting the reproductive biology of barnacles.