Responses of planktonic larvae of the serpulid polychaete Spirobranchus polycerus var. augeneri to an alga, adult tubes and conspecific larvae

Abstract

Trochophores and metatrochophores of the tropical, gregarious Spirobranchus polycerus var. augeneri showed no preference for Ulva lactuca, an alga common in the vicinity of adult worms. A preference to adult tubes shown by 7-9 d old metatrochophores (but not by younger stages) may represent an early expression of a behaviour important in habitat selection at the time of settlement. Metatrochophores (4-8 d larvae) were attracted to other larvae of the same age that were progeny of the same-group of parental worms. -from Author