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Larval release rhythms of decapod crustaceans: an overview.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Forward, RB
Published in: Bulletin of Marine Science
January 1, 1987

Decapod crustaceans release larvae rhythmically in relation to lunar, light-dark and tidal cycles. Rhythms related to lunar phase are usually semilunar with larval release mainly occurring at the time of largest amplitude nocturnal ebb tides, which usually correspond to spring tides at the new and full moon. Semilunar rhythms are most common among littoral and supralittoral species and depend upon when in the lunar month the female lays her eggs and the length of embryo development. Specific time of larvae release depends upon the interaction of LD and tidal cycles. Release relative to the LD cycle occurs most often in the first half of the night. If timing is related to tides, releases always occur around the time of high tide. Rhythms are under endogenous control. The known zeitgeber for entrainment of lunar, diel and tidal rhythms are cycles in moonlight, LD, and salinity, respectively. Other untested environmental cycles may also be used for entrainment. The site of endogenous control among brachyurans probably varies with adult habitat. For species living in high littoral and supralittoral areas, the 'clock' may reside in the female while in the sublittoral it resides in either the female or the developing embryos depending upon the species. The functional significance of the timing of larval release for each rhythm is usually related to survival of the adult female and her larvae.-from Author

Duke Scholars

Published In

Bulletin of Marine Science

ISSN

0007-4977

Publication Date

January 1, 1987

Volume

41

Issue

2

Start / End Page

165 / 176

Related Subject Headings

  • Marine Biology & Hydrobiology
  • 41 Environmental sciences
  • 37 Earth sciences
  • 31 Biological sciences
  • 06 Biological Sciences
  • 05 Environmental Sciences
  • 04 Earth Sciences
 

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Forward, R. B. (1987). Larval release rhythms of decapod crustaceans: an overview. Bulletin of Marine Science, 41(2), 165–176.
Forward, R. B. “Larval release rhythms of decapod crustaceans: an overview.Bulletin of Marine Science 41, no. 2 (January 1, 1987): 165–76.
Forward RB. Larval release rhythms of decapod crustaceans: an overview. Bulletin of Marine Science. 1987 Jan 1;41(2):165–76.
Forward, R. B. “Larval release rhythms of decapod crustaceans: an overview.Bulletin of Marine Science, vol. 41, no. 2, Jan. 1987, pp. 165–76.
Forward RB. Larval release rhythms of decapod crustaceans: an overview. Bulletin of Marine Science. 1987 Jan 1;41(2):165–176.

Published In

Bulletin of Marine Science

ISSN

0007-4977

Publication Date

January 1, 1987

Volume

41

Issue

2

Start / End Page

165 / 176

Related Subject Headings

  • Marine Biology & Hydrobiology
  • 41 Environmental sciences
  • 37 Earth sciences
  • 31 Biological sciences
  • 06 Biological Sciences
  • 05 Environmental Sciences
  • 04 Earth Sciences