Chemical induction of larval metamorphosis of Pecten maximus with a note on the nature of naturally occurring triggering substances

Abstract

Delayed metamorphosis usually occurs when scallop Pecten maximus larvae are reared in still water. Metamorphosis rates may be increased by adding aqueous extracts of certain marine red algae, including one (Delesseria sanguinea, Rhodomelaceae) from which various chemical inducers have been isolated. Inducer(s) present in the environment might possess a quinone or quinone-like structure, as is the case for jacaranone. -from Authors