Seasonal species composition of barnacle larvae (Cirripedia: Thoracica) in Rhode Island waters, 1977–1978

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Abstract
Cirripede larvae can occur year-round in temperate and tropical waters, often in significant numbers, yet the species composition of the ‘Balanus sp.’ component is rardy studied. Weekly plankton samples were analyzed qualitatively for larval cirripede species and stage over a year (1977–1978) at two Rhode Island stations. Six species of larvae were found in Lower Narragansett Bay (≅30°‰ salinity). Semibalanus balanoides and Balanus balanus have a single winter brood. S. balanoides is the predominant winter breeder with a minor release of nauplii in early December and major release in March followed by cyprids in mid-April.B. balanus populations release all larvae in March with cyprids in mid-April. Balanus crenatus is mainly a winter breeder, but has multiple broods; it does not breed in July-September when the water temperature is above 18°C. Balanus venustus is the predominant summer breeder, and larvae were observed from May through December (water >8°C). Larvae of Chthamalus fragilis and Balanus eburneus occur in low numbers from May-October. At the Pettaquamscutt River site (≅12‰ salinity), Balanus improvisus larvae predominate and early stage nauplii (I-II) occur in samples year round (0–27°C). Two peaks of later stage nauplii and cyprids occur in late spring (May) and early winter (Nov.-Jan.). Continued temperatures bdow 5°C or above 20°C appear to inhibit larval development.

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