Experimental evidence for limited dispersal of haliotid larvae (genus Haliotis; Mollusca: Gastropoda)

Abstract

The literature on haliotids generally assumes that these organisms have a short pelagic larval life with dispersal powers limited only by the time available before settlement. The results of an experiment designed to test this assumption are presented. The density of mature Haliotis rubra Leach was experimentally decreased along a 90 m section of shoreline. The resulting effect on recruitment patterns was examined in comparison with previous recruitment patterns. The results indicate that haliotid larvae may be strongly benthic with limited patterns of dispersal. © 1987.