The Distribution of Marine Borers in the Miami Area in Relation to Ecological Conditions
Ecological observations were made on marine wood-borers at Miami, Florida, from December 1948 to November 1949 and from March 1950 to January 1951.
The most abundant organism was Teredo (Lyrodus) pedicellata De Quatrefages which was active throughout the year. An increase in attack was noted in early summer and early autumn during both periods of observation. Maximum growth rate was observed in midsummer.
Variation in Limnoria attack was the same as that of Teredo pedicellata during the first period, but occurred in bi-monthly cycles in the second period of study.
Sea water temperatures at Miami were not limiting, but higher summer temperatures were believed to have caused an increase in the growth and boring rates of Teredo pedicellata.
At stations of uniform high salinity, Teredo pedicellata was found in greater numbers near the surface probably because of a negative geotactic response. Limnoria was concentrated near the bottom because of a negative photic response.
At stations of low salinity (up-river), borer attack decreased from the mudline, where higher salinities were evident, to the surface.
The horizontal distribution of all the borers appeared to be associated with the amount of wood in the surrounding area. The highest concentration of organisms was observed in the upper Biscayne Bay area particularly where many wood pilings were present.
The most abundant organism was Teredo (Lyrodus) pedicellata De Quatrefages which was active throughout the year. An increase in attack was noted in early summer and early autumn during both periods of observation. Maximum growth rate was observed in midsummer.
Variation in Limnoria attack was the same as that of Teredo pedicellata during the first period, but occurred in bi-monthly cycles in the second period of study.
Sea water temperatures at Miami were not limiting, but higher summer temperatures were believed to have caused an increase in the growth and boring rates of Teredo pedicellata.
At stations of uniform high salinity, Teredo pedicellata was found in greater numbers near the surface probably because of a negative geotactic response. Limnoria was concentrated near the bottom because of a negative photic response.
At stations of low salinity (up-river), borer attack decreased from the mudline, where higher salinities were evident, to the surface.
The horizontal distribution of all the borers appeared to be associated with the amount of wood in the surrounding area. The highest concentration of organisms was observed in the upper Biscayne Bay area particularly where many wood pilings were present.
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 January 1952
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