Mussel larval responses to turbulence are unaltered by larval age or light conditions

摘要: Larval responses to hydromechanical cues potentially have important effects on larval dispersal and settlement. This study examined the behavior of mussel larvae (Mytilus edulis) in laboratory-generated turbulence representative nearshore currents. We video recorded early- late-stage veligers a grid-stirred tank at five levels under light dark conditions. Water velocities kinetic energy dissipation rates were measured using particle image velocimetry acoustic Doppler velocimetry. characterized vertical velocity distributions for sinking, hovering, swimming modes still water calculated average behavioral turbulence. In water, young had more positive (upward) than old larvae, both stages dark. turbulence, mean varied from low negative above threshold 8.3 × 10 − 2 cm2 s − 3. At this threshold, Kolmogorov length scale (η = 590 μm) was two three times shell lengths (171–256 μm), implying that is detectable even by are smaller smallest eddies. Responses unaffected age or conditions contributed substantial variation. By sinking strong could increase their flux bed energetic coastal flows, particularly over rough substrates like beds. The response early-stage will also affect may help remain near populations.