Bio-foam enhances larval retention in a free-spawning marine tunicate

Castilla, JC; Manriquez, PH; Delgado, AP; Gargallo, L.; Leiva A.; Radic D.

Abstract

Here we report a mechanism that reduces dispersal of early developing stages and larvae in a free-spawning intertidal and shallow subtidal tunicate, Pyura praeputialis (Heller 1878), in the Bay of Antofagasta, Chile. The spawning of gametes by the tunicate into the naturally turbulent aerated seawater decreases their surface tension and induces the formation of a bio-foam. Water collected from foamy intertidal pools and tide channels showed a high concentration of P. praeputialis early developing stages and tadpole larvae in the foam. Because gametes are synchronically spawned for external fertilization and larvae settle near adults, our results suggest that this bio-foam increases fertilization success and effective settlement of their short-lived larvae in the vicinity of the adults spawning the gametes. This mechanism reinforces published evidence suggesting that local retention of intertidal and inshore marine invertebrate larvae may be more common than previously thought, offering, for instance, new perspectives for the design and networking of marine protected and management areas. © 2007 by The National Academy of Sciences of the USA.

Más información

Título según WOS: Bio-foam enhances larval retention in a free-spawning marine tunicate
Título según SCOPUS: Bio-foam enhances larval retention in a free-spawning marine tunicate
Título de la Revista: PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Volumen: 104
Número: 46
Editorial: NATL ACAD SCIENCES
Fecha de publicación: 2007
Página de inicio: 18120
Página final: 18122
Idioma: English
URL: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.0708233104
DOI:

10.1073/pnas.0708233104

Notas: ISI, SCOPUS