Differential predation on marine invertebrate larvae by two benthic predators

Abstract

Planktotrophic larvae of polychaetes, echinoids, asteroids, gastropods and cirripeds were preyed upon differentially in the laboratory by 2 filter-feeding benthic predators, the ascidian Styela gibbsii and the mussel. Mytilus edulis . Differences in predation rate are attributed in part to larval defense mechanisms. Presumed structural defenses (veliger shell, naupliar spines, trochophore setae) were ineffective against the predators investigated.