Decapod Larvae: Dispersal, Mortality, and Ecology. A Working Hypothesis

TWO topics on decapod larval biology are discussed: retentionand recruitment of decapod larvae to the parental populationand the ecological role of decapod larvae in the water column. Most decapods have retained a planktonic larval phase whichis generally interpreted as a mechanism for increased dispersal.Evidence of restricted gene flow and biological/physical interactionresearch have suggested that larvae can be retained and recruitedto the parental population via mesoscale processes. To fullyunderstand recruitment processes improved estimates of mortalityrates for planktonic larval stages will be required. Recentevidence suggests that mortality rates are not constant overthe complete larval developmental period but decrease with time. During some seasons meroplankton including decapod l arvae canconstitute more than 50% of the plankton biomass. The quantityof energy transferred into the water column can be significant.Their role in planktonic ecology may be significant and additionalresearch is required.