The larval and benthic stages of the scyphozoan medusa Chrysaora plocamia under El Niño–La Niña thermal regimes

摘要: article i nfo Jellyfish particularly scyphozoan population blooms appear to be increasing in strength and frequency re- cent decades but efforts understand drivers of variability are hampered by the limited under- standing ecology larval benthic stages majority species which may ultimately determine abundance pelagic phase. Planula larvae polyps large scyphomedusa Chrysaora plocamia inhabiting Humboldt Current Upwelling System Chile Peru were experimental- ly exposed temperature regimes representing El Nino-La Nina Neutral conditions. Settlement plan- ulae was significantly affected only Nino whereas survivorship both La temperatures. Somatic growth negatively temperatures although responses changed over course experiment: caused a longer term effect on polyps, under this showed rapid recovery after an ini- tial decrease somatic growth. Therefore we concluded that increased abundances phase C. observed during cannot attributed improved conditions for settlement or stage. A comparative analysis effects settle- ment metamorphosis scyphozoans performance animals these is higher within species-specific thermal range reflects seasonal tempera- ture their environment.