Authors: Przeslawski, Rachel¹; Benkendorff, Kirsten²

Source: Journal of Molluscan Studies, Volume 71, Number 1, February 2005 , pp. 75-83(9)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

Surface fouling is a potential environmental stress for intertidal egg masses and may be detrimental to encapsulated molluscan development. This study examines the influence of egg mass structure (capsular vs gelatinous) and spawning habitat (shaded, partially shaded and full sun) on the amount of surface algal fouling on gastropod egg masses collected along the southeastern Australian coast. In addition, we examine the effects of surface fouling on embryonic mortality and encapsulation period. Egg masses from 18 species were collected and subjected to standardized aquarium conditions under UV-blocking filters. Algal fouling levels were calculated visually (F<inf>v</inf>) and biochemically through chlorophyll content (F<inf>c</inf>), but only visual quantification was deemed appropriate. The presence or absence of protists was also recorded. The level of fouling on the egg masses was not related to the habitat in which they were spawned. Gelatinous egg masses were fouled by both algae and protists at a significantly higher rate than leathery capsules. Egg masses colonized by protists had a higher level of algal fouling, and overall these egg masses had a significantly higher incidence of embryonic mortality. No effects of protists were observed on the period of encapsulation. When the effect of algal fouling on embryonic mortality was analysed for each species separately, significant positive relationships were found for several species. As F<inf>v</inf> increased, the embryonic mortality of Conuber sp., Austraelois ornata, Bembicium nanum and Hoplodoris nodulosa increased. Algal fouling was significantly correlated with encapsulation period in only two species. As fouling increased, encapsulation period decreased for Aplysia sydneyenis and Dendrodoris fumata. Overall, this study reveals that both surface colonization and the effects of fouling on gastropod encapsulated development are species-specific.

Keywords: Learning disability; housing; barriers to choice

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/mollus/eyi010

Affiliations: 1: School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia 2: School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia

Publication date: 2005-02-01

More about this publication?

• The Journal of Molluscan Studies is the major international journal covering the biology of molluscs. The journal features the newly developing subjects of molecular genetics, cladistic phylogenetics and ecophysiology, but also maintains coverage of ecological, behavioural and systematic malacology.

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