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Quantifying the exploratory behaviour of Amphibalanus amphitrite cyprids
Kuan Chun Chaw1, William R Birch
1Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, (A*STAR) Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore.
Biofouling
|February 26, 2010
Summary
Barnacle cyprid larvae behavior differs on hydrophilic versus hydrophobic surfaces, with flow impacting exploration patterns. Older larvae showed less surface discrimination, suggesting developmental changes in settlement cues.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Larval behavior
- Surface science
Background:
- Cyprid larvae of the barnacle *Balanus amphitrite* are crucial settlement stages.
- Understanding larval-surface interactions is key to preventing biofouling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the behavioral responses of *A. amphitrite* cyprid larvae to different glass surface properties under varying flow conditions.
- To investigate how larval age influences surface exploration and settlement behavior.
Main Methods:
- Close-range microscopy was used to observe and measure step length and duration of cyprid larvae.
- Three model glass surfaces (hydrophilic bare, NH2-treated, and hydrophobic CH3-treated) were utilized.
- Experiments were conducted with and without controlled water flow.
Main Results:
- Larvae exhibited distinct exploration patterns based on surface hydrophilicity and flow.
- Younger larvae (2-day-old) showed differential exploration: longer steps/shorter duration on hydrophilic surfaces, suggesting detailed inspection of hydrophobic ones.
- Under flow, larvae took longer steps and had shorter probing times on hydrophobic surfaces, while increasing step duration on hydrophilic surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Larval behavior is significantly influenced by surface properties and hydrodynamic forces.
- Hydrodynamic forces (drag and lift) actively affect larval anchoring and exploration.
- Older cyprid larvae (7-day-old) displayed reduced discrimination between surfaces, indicating developmental shifts in settlement behavior.
