Larval settlement and metamorphosis of the mussel Mytilus coruscus in response to natural biofilms

Settlement and metamorphosis of pediveliger larvae of Mytilus coruscus in response to natural biofilms was investigated in the laboratory. Pediveliger larvae settled and metamorphosed in response to biofilms and post-larval settlement and metamorphosis increased with biofilm age. The activity of the biofilm was positively correlated with biofilm age, dry weight, bacterial density and diatom density, but had no apparent relationship with chlorophyll a concentration. The change in bacterial community composition corresponding to biofilm age may explain differences in the age-dependent inducing activities of biofilms, which in turn may play an important role in larval settlement in this species.     

The influence of temperature and light on larval pre-settlement metamorphosis: a study of the effects of environmental factors on pre-settlement metamorphosis of the solitary ascidian Styela canopus

This study investigated the effects of two environmental factors, temperature and light, on larval settlement and metamorphosis in the solitary ascidian Styela canopus. The results revealed that larval settlement rates decreased with increasing temperature in the range 12–30°C. We also demonstrated for the first time that pre-settlement metamorphosis of ascidian larvae can occur as a function of temperature. We suggest this could be an adaptation to avoid the greater energetic cost of active larval swimming, presumably resulting from the increasing temperature. They are able to metamorphose into passive drifting post-larvae and to continue planktonic life. This finding has implications for larval dispersal, especially under conditions of ocean warming. In addition, the effect of light intensity on larval settlement and metamorphosis was significantly different between photoperiods of 24 L : 0 D and 12 L : 12 D. These results provide some insight into the complex cues affecting settlement and metamorphosis of ascidian larvae and ascidian distribution in nature.     

Energy flow and subsidies associated with the complex life cycle of ambystomatid salamanders in ponds and adjacent forest in southern Illinois

Breeding adults and metamorphosing larval amphibians transfer energy between freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems during seasonal migrations and emergences, although rarely has this been quantified. We intensively sampled ambystomatid salamander assemblages (Ambystoma opacum,A. maculatum, and A. tigrinum) in five forested ponds in southern Illinois to quantify energy flow associated with egg deposition, larval production, and emergence of metamorphosed larvae. Oviposition by female salamanders added 7.0–761.4 g ash-free dry mass (AFDM) year⁻¹ to ponds (up to 5.5 g AFDM m⁻² year⁻¹). Larval production ranged from 0.4 to 7.4 g AFDM m⁻² year⁻¹ among populations in three ponds that did not dry during larval development, with as much as 7.9 g AFDM m⁻² year⁻¹ produced by an entire assemblage. Mean larval biomass during cohort production intervals in these three ponds ranged from 0.1 to 2.3 g AFDM m⁻² and annual P/B (production/biomass) ranged from 4 to 21 for individual taxa. Emergent biomass averaged 10% (range=2–35%) of larval production; larval mortality within ponds accounted for the difference. Hydroperiod and intraguild predation limited larval production in some ponds, but emerging metamorphs exported an average of 70.0±33.9 g AFDM year⁻¹ (range=21.0–135.2 g AFDM year⁻¹) from ponds to surrounding forest. For the three ponds where larvae survived to metamorphosis, salamander assemblages provided an average net flux of 349.5±140.8 g AFDM year⁻¹ into pond habitats. Among all ponds, net flux into ponds was highest for the largest pond and decreased for smaller ponds with higher perimeter to surface area ratios (r ² =0.94, P<0.05, n=5). These results are important in understanding the multiple functional roles of salamanders and the impact of amphibian population declines on ecosystems. Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article at and is accessible for authorized users.     

Larval settlement preferences of Acropora palmata and Montastraea faveolata in response to diverse red algae

Settlement specificity can regulate recruitment but remains poorly understood for coral larvae. We studied larvae of the corals, Acropora palmata and Montastraea faveolata, to determine their rates of settlement and metamorphosis in the presence of ten species of red algae, including eight species of crustose coralline algae, one geniculated coralline and one encrusting peyssonnelid. Twenty to forty percent of larvae of A. palmata settled on coralline surfaces of Hydrolithon boergesenii, Lithoporella atlantica, Neogoniolithon affine, and Titanoderma prototypum, whereas none settled and metamorphosed on Neogoniolithon mamillare. Larvae of M. faveolata had 13–25 % settlement onto the surface of Amphiroa tribulus, H. boergesenii, N. affine, N. munitum, and T. prototypum, but had no settlement on the surface of N. mamillare, Porolithon pachydermum, and a noncoralline crust Peyssonnelia sp. Some of these algal species were common on Belizean reefs, but the species that induced the highest rates of larval settlement and metamorphosis tended to be rare and primarily found in low-light environments. The shallow coral, A. palmata, and the deeper coral, M. faveolata, both had increased larval settlement rates in the presence of only a few species of red algae found at deeper depths suggesting that patterns of coral distribution can only sometimes be related to the distribution of red algae species.     

Pharmacological Induction of Larval Settlement and Metamorphosis in the Blue Mussel Mytilus edulis L.

The blue mussel Mytilus edulis L. is an important aquaculture and fouling species in northern seas. Although the general role of chemical cues for settlement of larvae of the blue mussel has been proposed, few studies have focused on induction of settlement and metamorphosis by pharmacological agents. In this study, the induction of larval settlement of the blue mussel by pharmacological compounds was investigated through a series of laboratory experiments with an aim of identifying artificial cues for laboratory bioassay systems in fouling and antifouling research. Gamma-aminobutiric acid (GABA), dihydroxyphenyl L-alanine (DOPA), isobutyl methylxanthine (IBMX) and acetylcholine chloride (ACH) at 10^{m 7}-10^{m 2} M as well as KCl at 10-40 mM K⁺ in excess of the level in normal seawater were tested for their inductive effect on larval settlement. In filtered seawater (FSW) <9% of the larvae settled after 48 h. Elevated K⁺ and GABA levels had no effect on larval settlement and metamorphosis. DOPA at 10^{m 5} M and IBMX at 10^{m 6}-10^{m 4} M induced 41-83% larval settlement and ACH at 10^{m 7}-10^{m 5} M induced < 40% larval settlement. While the highest settlement rates were observed after 48 h exposure to the chemicals, most of the larvae settled within 24 h. Compounds at concentrations of 10^{m 3}-10^{m 2} M were either toxic to larvae or retarded the growth of the post-larvae shell. Juveniles resulting from induction by lower concentrations of chemicals had a very high survival rate, completed metamorphosis and grew as well as the juveniles that metamorphosed spontaneously. IBMX at 10^{m 6}-10^{m 4} M and L-DOPA at 10^{m 5} M are effective agents for induction of settlement and metamorphosis for future studies using juvenile M. edulis.     

Differences in heat shock protein 70 expression during larval and early spat development in the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin, 1791)

For a variety of species, changes in the expression of heat shock proteins (HSP) have been linked to key developmental changes, i.e., gametogenesis, embryogenesis, and metamorphosis. Many marine invertebrates are known to have a biphasic life cycle where pelagic larvae go through settlement and metamorphosis as they transition to the benthic life stage. A series of experiments were run to examine the expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) during larval and early spat (initial benthic phase) development in the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. In addition, the impact of thermal stress on HSP 70 expression during these early stages was studied. C. virginica larvae and spat expressed three HSP 70 isoforms, two constitutive, HSC 77 and HSC 72, and one inducible, HSP 69. We found differences in the expression of both the constitutive and inducible forms of HSP 70 among larval and early juvenile stages and in response to thermal stress. Low expression of HSP 69 during early larval and spat development may be associated with the susceptibility of these stages to environmental stress. Although developmental regulation of HSP 70 expression has been widely recognized, changes in its expression during settlement and metamorphosis of marine invertebrates are still unknown. The results of the current study demonstrated a reduction of HSP 70 expression during settlement and metamorphosis in the Eastern oyster, C. virginica.     

Life cycle polyphenism as a factor affecting ecological divergence within <Emphasis Type="Italic">Notophthalmus viridescens</Emphasis>

Polyphenism, which allows a single genotype to express multiple discrete phenotypes in response to environmental cues, is an adaptive trait in heterogeneous environments. Pond hydroperiod is an important ecological parameter affecting amphibian life history, and variation in local pond hydrology has been hypothesized to play a role in species divergence via changes in polyphenism. The eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) expresses life cycle polyphenism. Larvae develop along three possible pathways: metamorphosis to aquatic lunged adult via a terrestrial juvenile (eft) stage, metamorphosis directly to an aquatic lunged adult, or maturation directly to an aquatic gilled adult without metamorphosis (i.e., paedomorphosis). Subspecies of N. viridescens vary in their polyphenic patterns, suggesting possible adaptation to different environments. However, no studies have experimentally tested how genetic and environmental components contribute to the observed differences among subspecies and whether such differences may facilitate divergence. We tested whether adaptation to local pond hydrology via polyphenic changes existed among subspecies by rearing larvae of three subspecies (N. v. dorsalis, N. v. louisianensis, and N. v. viridescens) along three hydroperiod regimes (short, long, and constant) in outdoor artificial ponds. We found that larval N. v. viridescens obligately metamorphosed to efts under all hydroperiods, whereas N. v. dorsalis and N. v. louisianensis exhibited plasticity: larvae metamorphosed to efts under drying conditions but metamorphosed directly to aquatic adults or became paedomorphic in constant water. Also, N. v. viridescens metamorphosed to efts faster and at a smaller body size than the other two subspecies. These data suggest that subspecies of N. viridescens are adapted to different pond hydroperiods, supporting the potential for polyphenism to facilitate divergence. Canalizing selection for certain alternative phenotypes within a single species in which other populations remain plastic may play an important role in the initiation of ecological divergence.     

Larval settlement preferences and post-settlement survival of the threatened Caribbean corals Acropora palmata and A. cervicornis

The settlement specificity of two threatened Caribbean corals, Acropora palmata and A. cervicornis, was tested by measuring their rates of larval metamorphosis in response to crustose coralline algae (CCA) and other substrata. In the no-choice experiments, the coral larvae were placed in six treatments: filtered seawater (FSW), a fragment of biofilmed dead skeleton of A. palmata, or a fragment of one of four species of CCA (Hydrolithon boergesenii, Porolithon pachydermum, Paragoniolithon solubile, and Titanoderma prototypum). Within each CCA treatment, there were three different substrata on which to settle and metamorphose: (1) the CCA surface, (2) the rock under the CCA, or (3) the plastic dish. The 5-day-old larvae of both A. palmata and A. cervicornis had similar rates of total metamorphosis (all substrata combined) in every treatment (excluding FSW) even in the absence of CCA. However, there were differences in larval behavior among the CCA species since the larvae settled and metamorphosed on different substrata in the presence of different CCA species. In the no-choice experiments the larvae of both corals had higher rates of metamorphosis on the top surfaces of H. boergesenii and/or T. prototypum than on P. pachydermum. In the choice experiments, the coral larvae were offered two species of CCA in the same dish. When given a choice, both species of coral larvae had more settlement and metamorphosis on the surface of H. boergesenii or T. prototypum or clean rock than onto the surface of P. solubile. After 6 weeks in the field, transplanted A. palmata recruits had approximately 15% survival on both T. prototypum and H. boergesenii, but A. cervicornis recruits only survived on T. prototypum (13%). Some, but not all, CCA species facilitated the larval settlement and post-settlement survival of these two threatened corals, highlighting the importance of benthic community composition for successful coral recruitment.     

Settlement induction of Acropora palmata planulae by a GLW-amide neuropeptide

Complex environmental cues dictate the settlement of coral planulae in situ; however, simple artificial cues may be all that is required to induce settlement of ex situ larval cultures for reef re-seeding and restoration projects. Neuropeptides that transmit settlement signals and initiate the metamorphic cascade have been isolated from hydrozoan taxa and shown to induce metamorphosis of reef-building Acropora spp. in the Indo-Pacific, providing a reliable and efficient settlement cue. Here, the metamorphic activity of six GLW-amide cnidarian neuropeptides was tested on larvae of the Caribbean corals Acropora palmata, Montastraea faveolata and Favia fragum. A. palmata planulae were induced to settle by the exogenous application of the neuropeptide Hym-248 (concentrations ≥1 × 10⁻⁶ M), achieving 40–80% attachment and 100% metamorphosis of competent planulae (≥6 days post-fertilization) during two spawning seasons; the remaining neuropeptides exhibited no activity. Hym-248 exposure rapidly altered larval swimming behavior (<1 h) and resulted in >96% metamorphosis after 6 h. In contrast, M. faveolata and F. fragum planulae did not respond to any GLW-amides tested, suggesting a high specificity of neuropeptide activators on lower taxonomic scales in corals. Subsequent experiments for A. palmata revealed that (1) the presence of a biofilm did not enhance attachment efficiency when coupled with Hym-248 treatment, (2) neuropeptide-induced settlement had no negative effects on early life-history developmental processes: zooxanthellae acquisition and skeletal secretion occurred within 12 days, colonial growth occurred within 36 days, and (3) Hym-248 solutions maintained metamorphic activity following storage at room temperature (10 days), indicating its utility in remote field settings. These results corroborate previous studies on Indo-Pacific Acropora spp. and extend the known metamorphic activity of Hym-248 to Caribbean acroporids. Hym-248 allows for directed and reliable settlement of larval cultures and has broad applications to the study and rehabilitation of threatened Acropora populations in the Caribbean.     

Poor Nutritional Conditions During the Early Larval Stage Reduce Risk‐Taking Activities of Fire Salamander Larvae (Salamandra salamandra)

Environmental conditions experienced early in life have been shown to significantly affect growth trajectories at later stages in many vertebrate species. Amphibians typically have a biphasic life history, with an aquatic larval phase during early development and a subsequent terrestrial adult phase after completed metamorphosis. Thus, the early conditions have an especially strong impact on the future survival and fitness of amphibians. We studied whether early nutritional conditions affect the behavioural reaction of fire salamander larvae (Salamandra salamandra) before completion of metamorphosis. Fire salamander larvae reared under rich nutritional conditions were heavier and larger, displayed better body condition overall throughout the first three month of life and metamorphosed earlier compared with larvae raised under poor nutritional conditions. Specifically, we tested whether larvae reared under these different conditions differed with respect to their risk‐taking behaviour and activity. We found no differences in the activity of larvae with respect to their experienced early food conditions. However, larvae reared under poor nutritional conditions hid significantly more often in a risk‐taking test than larvae reared under rich food conditions. This increase in shelter‐seeking behaviour might be an adaptation to reduce the risk of larval drift or an adaptation to compensate for physiological deficits in part by appropriate behavioural reactions. Our results indicate that environmental conditions, such as food availability, may lead to different behavioural strategies.     

Larval settlement and metamorphosis of the mussel Mytilus coruscus in response to natural biofilms

Settlement and metamorphosis of pediveliger larvae of Mytilus coruscus in response to natural biofilms was investigated in the laboratory. Pediveliger larvae settled and metamorphosed in response to biofilms and post-larval settlement and metamorphosis increased with biofilm age. The activity of the biofilm was positively correlated with biofilm age, dry weight, bacterial density and diatom density, but had no apparent relationship with chlorophyll a concentration. The change in bacterial community composition corresponding to biofilm age may explain differences in the age-dependent inducing activities of biofilms, which in turn may play an important role in larval settlement in this species.     

Cross habituation to feeding deterrents and acceptance of a marginal host plant byPieris rapae larvae

Sensitivity of the cabbage butterfly,Pieris rapae L. to feeding deterrents was compared for larvae reared on different food sources under laboratory conditions. Since cabbage-reared larvae normally reject nasturtium,Tropaeolum majus L., the effects of previous exposure to allelochemicals on larval acceptance or rejection of this plant were also examined. When compared with cabbage-reared larvae, nasturtium-reared larvae were less sensitive to feeding deterrents including cymarin, erysimoside and 2-O-β-d-glucosyl cucurbitacin E. Nasturtium-reared larvae were insensitive to chlorogenic acid, which was deterrent to cabbage-reared larvae. Feeding by larvae reared on a wheat germ diet was not deterred by these compounds. The results indicate that dietary experience can extensively affect larval sensitivity to feeding deterrents and that cross habituation of larvae to deterrents occurs in response to certain chemical constituents of nasturtium and wheat germ diet. Digitoxin, however, proved to be an exception. Larvae reared on either nasturtium or wheat germ diet were as sensitive to digitoxin as those reared on cabbage. Previous results have shown that rejectionof nasturtium by cabbage-reared larvae is due to the presence of strong feeding deterrents in this plant. However, more than 50% of 2nd instar larvae reared from neonate on cabbage leaves treated with strophanthidin, cymarin, erysimoside, digitoxigenin and digitoxin accepted nasturtium as a food source. 2-O-β-d-glucosyl cucurbitacin E, 2-O-β-d-glucosyl cucurbitacin I and rutin were also active in causing larvae to feed on nasturtium. Thus dietary exposure to unrelated plant chemicals can profoundly affect insect acceptance of a plant that contains feeding deterrents.     

Testing the evolutionary constraints of metamorphosis: The ontogeny of head shape in Triturus newts

In vertebrates with complex, biphasic, life cycles, larvae have a distinct morphology and ecological preferences compared to metamorphosed juveniles and adults. In amphibians, abrupt and rapid metamorphic changes transform aquatic larvae to terrestrial juveniles. The main aim of this study is to test whether, relative to larval stages, metamorphosis (1) resets the pattern of variation between ontogenetic stages and species, (2) constrains intraspecific morphological variability, and (3) similar to the “hour‐glass” model reduces morphological disparity. We explore postembryonic ontogenetic trajectories of head shape (from hatching to completed metamorphosis) of two well‐defined, morphologically distinct Triturus newts species and their F1 hybrids. Variation in head shape is quantified and compared on two levels: dynamic (across ontogenetic stages) and static (at a particular stage). Our results show that the ontogenetic trajectories diverge early during development and continue to diverge throughout larval stages and metamorphosis. The high within‐group variance and the largest disparity level (between‐group variance) characterize the metamorphosed stage. Hence, our results indicate that metamorphosis does not canalize head shape variation generated during larval development and that metamorphosed phenotype is not more constrained relative to larval ones. Therefore, metamorphosis cannot be regarded as a developmental constraint, at least not for salamander head shape.     

Effects of temperature on survival, development, growth and feeding of larvae of Yellowtail clownfish Amphiprion clarkii (Pisces: Perciformes)

To understand the physiological and ecological responses of marine fishes to the change of water temperature, newly-hatched larvae of Yellowtail clownfish Amphiprion clarkii were reared in captivity at water temperatures of 23, 26 and 29 °C till they completed the metamorphosis to juvenile phase, and larval survival, development, growth and feeding were evaluated during the experimental period. The results showed that water temperature influenced the physiological performance of larvae of A. clarkii significantly. The survival and growth rates of larvae of A. clarkii increased significantly with the increase of water temperature from 23 to 29 °C (P < 0.05). Water temperature also influenced larval development of A. clarkii significantly and larvae reared at 23 °C took longer time for post-larval development and metamorphosis compared to 26 and 29 °C (P < 0.05). Total length and body weight for post-larval development and metamorphosis decreased with the increase of water temperature from 23 to 29 °C (P < 0.05). Q₁₀ in developmental rate was higher than in daily growth rate at the same rearing temperature, indicating that at water temperature had greater influence on larval development than on growth. Water temperature also influenced larval feeding of A. clarkii significantly with feed ration (FR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) increased with the increase of water temperature from 23 to 29 °C (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between FR and specific growth rate (SGR) (P < 0.05) but not between FCE and SGR (P > 0.05), indicating that FR influenced growth rate significantly in larvae of A. clarkii. This study demonstrated that the physiological responses of larvae of A. clarkii to the change of water temperature and confirmed that water temperature influenced larval survival, development, growth and feeding significantly. This study suggests that the decline of larval survival and growth rates, extension of pelagic larval duration and reduction of larval feeding at lower temperature have ecological impacts on larval dispersal and metamorphosis, juvenile settlement and population replenishment in A. clarkii in the wild.     

Inhibition of settlement and metamorphosis of the ascidian Herdmania curvata by non-geniculate coralline algae

The surfaces of non-geniculate coralline algae (NCA) are known to induce the settlement and metamorphosis of disparate marine taxa. In this study we investigate the responsiveness of larvae of Herdmania curvata (Ascidiacea: Stolidobranchia) to three species of NCA (Neogoniolithon brassica-florida, Hydrolithon onkodes, and Lithothamnium prolifer) that cohabit the slope and crest of Heron Reef, Great Barrier Reef. H. curvata larvae were first exposed to these NCA at or within 2 h of hatching, which is 1 to 2 h prior to attaining competence, and then cultured continuously with the NCA for 12 to 14 h. Rates of settlement and metamorphosis of H. curvata cultured in laboratory chambers in the presence of the different NCA were significantly lower than spontaneous rates in seawater. The limited settlement in treatments containing NCA were confined entirely to the chamber periphery, and settlement never occurred on the surface of the NCA. The inhibitory effect was dose-dependent and was stronger in N. brassica-florida and H. onkodes than in L. prolifer. Larvae that did not settle in treatments with NCA had rounded anterior trunks and, in extreme cases, kinked tails with rounded and dissociated tail muscle cells. In some individuals, we observed the anterior chemosensory papillae being sloughed off the larval body. Morphological analysis of trunk ectodermal and mesenchymal nuclei of larvae cultured in the presence of the NCA revealed that general necrotic cell death was occurring. Importantly, H. curvata larvae that were exposed to NCA could not subsequently be induced to metamorphose in KCl-elevated seawater, whereas larvae not exposed to NCA metamorphosed at high rates in KCl-elevated seawater.     

Metamorphosis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hydractinia echinata</Emphasis>—natural versus artificial induction and developmental plasticity

Many marine invertebrates reproduce through a larval stage. The settlement and metamorphosis of most of the species are synchronised and induced by environmental organisms, mainly bacteria. The hydrozoan Hydractinia echinata has become a model organism for metamorphosis of marine invertebrates. In this species, bacteria, e.g. Pseudoalteromonas espejiana, are the natural inducers of metamorphosis. Like in other species of marine invertebrates, metamorphosis can be induced artificially by monovalent cations, e.g. Cs⁺. In this study, we present systematic data that metamorphosis—with both inducing compounds, the natural one from bacteria and the artificial one Cs⁺—are indeed similar with respect to (a) the morphological progression, (b) the localisation of the primary induction signal in the larva, (c) the pattern of apoptotic cells occurring during the initial 10 h of metamorphosis and (d) the disappearance of RFamide-dependent immunocytochemical signals in sensory neurons during this process. However, a difference occurs during the development of the anterior end, insofar as apoptotic cells and settlement appear earlier in planulae induced with bacteria. Thus, basically, Cs⁺ may be used as an artificial inducer, mimicking the natural process. However, differences in the appearance of apoptotic cells and in settlement raise the question of how enormous developmental plasticity in hydrozoans actually can be, and how this is related to the absence of malignant devolution in hydrozoans.     

Pharmacological induction of larval settlement and metamorphosis in the blue mussel Mytilus edulis L

The blue mussel Mytilus edulis L. is an important aquaculture and fouling species in northern seas. Although the general role of chemical cues for settlement of larvae of the blue mussel has been proposed, few studies have focused on induction of settlement and metamorphosis by pharmacological agents. In this study, the induction of larval settlement of the blue mussel by pharmacological compounds was investigated through a series of laboratory experiments with an aim of identifying artificial cues for laboratory bioassay systems in fouling and antifouling research. Gamma-aminobutiric acid (GABA), dihydroxyphenyl L-alanine (DOPA), isobutyl methylxanthine (IBMX) and acetylcholine chloride (ACH) at 10(-7)-10(-2) M as well as KCl at 10-40 mM K+ in excess of the level in normal seawater were tested for their inductive effect on larval settlement. In filtered seawater (FSW) < 9% of the larvae settled after 48 h. Elevated K+ and GABA levels had no effect on larval settlement and metamorphosis. DOPA at 10(-5) M and IBMX at 10(-6)-10(-4) M induced 41-83% larval settlement and ACH at 10(-7)-10(-5) M induced < 40% larval settlement. While the highest settlement rates were observed after 48 h exposure to the chemical, most of the larvae settled within 24 h. Compounds at concentrations of 10(-3)-10(-2) M were either toxic to larvae or retarded the growth of the post-larvae shell. Juveniles resulting from induction by lower concentrations of chemicals had a very high survival rate, completed metamorphosis and grew as well as the juveniles that metamorphosed spontaneously. IBMX at 10(-6)-10(-4) M and L-DOPA at 10(-5) M are effective agents for induction of settlement and metamorphosis for future studies using juvenile M. edulis.     

Habitat differentiation in the early life stages of simultaneously mass-spawning corals

The settlement process of coral larvae following simultaneous mass-spawning remains poorly understood, particularly in terms of population and community parameters. Here, the larval settlement patterns of Acropora corals, which are the most diverse genera of scleractinian corals at the species (haplotype) level, were investigated within a single subtropical reef. Across a 4-year period (2007–2010), the mitochondrial and nuclear molecular markers of 1,073 larval settlers were analyzed. Of the 11 dominant haplotypes of recruited populations, nine exhibited non-random patterns of settlement distribution. This result suggests that the actual habitat segregation starts during the early swimming larval stages of their life history, rather than by natural selection after random settlement. In addition, the presence of a depth-related settlement pattern supports that species-specific vertical zonation of coral larvae may play a role in the establishment of habitat segregation. Moreover, in some species that showed a preference toward the shoreward area of the bay, the settlement pattern was consistent with that of the adult distribution. This result indicates that the gametes were not mixed between fore and back reefs in the period from fertilization to settlement during the mass-spawning event, even within a single small reef. Another compatible hypothesis of this pattern is that the larvae are able to recognize various types of environmental information, facilitating the selection of optimal micro-habitats. Overall, Acropora coral larvae that are produced from a simultaneous mass-spawning event may have adapted to complex reef topography by means of multi-step habitat selection at settlement, corresponding to different spatial scales.     

Recruitment of amphidromous sleepers Eleotris acanthopoma, Eleotris melanosoma, and Eleotris fusca into the Teima River, Okinawa Island

Recruitment courses of three amphidromous sleeper species, Eleotris acanthopoma, E. melanosoma, and E. fusca, were investigated at the surf zone adjacent to the river mouth and at five stations in the Teima River on Okinawa Island, Japan. All three species occurred at the surf zone as pelagic larvae with transparent and compressed body, a conspicuous air bladder, and an emarginated caudal fin. Eleotris fusca (16.0–19.6 mm in standard length: SL) sometimes possessed a vestige of the larval chin barbel and were larger than E. acanthopoma (9.7–13.2 mm SL) and E. melanosoma (11.2–12.8 mm SL). The pelagic larvae were also collected during full tide from the lower reaches of the tidally influenced area of the river. The pelagic larvae may be carried in and out of the estuary with some tidal fluxes, and they may settle when they reach the upper tidally influenced area where the salinity becomes extremely low. Body width and pigmentation of newly settled larvae increased. E. fusca was considered to migrate upstream to the freshwater area against the flow of the river just after reaching the settled stage. After settlement, all three species became completely pigmented, the caudal fin became round in shape, and the fin ray counts became complete with growth. Also, E. acanthopoma dispersed widely to the lower part of the tidally influenced area or to the lower reaches of the freshwater area, E. melanosoma dispersed to the lower part of the tidally influenced area, and E. fusca dispersed upstream.     

Three‐dimensional fate mapping of larval tissues through metamorphosis in the glass sponge Oopsacas minuta

The tissue of glass sponges (Class Hexactinellida) is unique among metazoans in being largely syncytial, a state that arises during early embryogenesis when blastomeres fuse. In addition, hexactinellids are one of only two poriferan groups that already have clearly formed flagellated chambers as larvae. The fate of the larval chambers and of other tissues during metamorphosis is unknown. One species of hexactinellid, Oopsacas minuta, is found in submarine caves in the Mediterranean and is reproductive year round, which facilitates developmental studies; however, describing metamorphosis has been a challenge because the syncytial nature of the tissue makes it difficult to trace the fates using conventional cell tracking markers. We used three‐dimensional models to map the fate of larval tissues of O. minuta through metamorphosis and provide the first detailed account of larval tissue reorganization at metamorphosis of a glass sponge larva. Larvae settle on their anterior swimming pole or on one side. The multiciliated cells that formed a belt around the larva are discarded during the first stage of metamorphosis. We found that larval flagellated chambers are retained throughout metamorphosis and become the kernels of the first pumping chambers of the juvenile sponge. As larvae of O. minuta settle, larval chambers are enlarged by syncytial tissues containing yolk inclusions. Lipid inclusions at the basal attachment site gradually became smaller during the six weeks of our study. In O. minuta, the flagellated chambers that differentiate in the larva become the post‐metamorphic flagellated chambers, which corroborate the view that internalization of these chambers during embryogenesis is a process that resembles gastrulation processes in other animals.