Survival Value of An Opportunistic Life-stage Transition in Capelin (Mallotus villosus)

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Abstract
We examined the biological basis of the synchrony between the onset of a pelagic existence in beach-spawned capelin (Mallotus villosus) larvae and the unpredictable occurrence of favorable predator–prey conditions caused by onshore winds. Larvae isolated from the in situ beach sediments, but subject to those changes in water mass characteristics as might remain when such water is introduced into an experimental constant-level tank, emerged in synchrony with larvae in situ. This supports the hypothesis that the larval response to wind-induced water-mass exchange is an active one; it represents an adaptation maximizing feeding success and minimizing mortality due to predation. This "opportunistic" life-stage transition has direct parallels in seed dormancy and diapause in insects.