An Integrated Study of the Factors Influencing the Choice of the Settling Site of Balanus crenatus Cyprid Larvae

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Abstract
Settled larvae of Balanus crenatus were collected at Pointe Mitis, in the St. Lawrence Estuary, Quebec. Four substrata were sampled and observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM): shells of Mytilus edulis, fronds of Fucus evanescens, and laminated panels immersed for periods of 4 and 8 wk. Following this treatment, 23 variables describing the substratum surface, the cover of inert and biological material, and the gregarious response of the larvae were documented for 200 larvae, and compared with 187 control sites uncolonized by larvae. Significant differences of substratum texture, detritus, and diatom abundance were observed between colonized and uncolonized sites, indicating that the selectivity of the larva is related to the heterogeneity of the substratum. On all substrata, the settling site of the larvae was free of detritus and diatoms, clean surfaces ensuring better adhesion for the individual. To rank the variables on which selection occurred, the χ2 value of a contingency table between each variable and the type of substratum was computed. Variables carrying low χ2 values represented the most constant larval choices irrespective of the type of substratum. Variables related to the microscopic characteristics of the substratum were more important for larval selection than the variables describing the already established barnacle population.

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