Starvation threshold of Balanus amphitrite larvae in relation to temperature

Energy content in the non-feeding (lecithotrophic) cyprid larvae of B. amphitrite plays an important role in determining its metamorphic characteristics. In this context it is important to understand the energy transformed to this stage from naupliar instars and the influence of the different environmental stresses that regulate it. From the antifouling assay perspective, it is also important to produce cyprids at energy level that mimic the stock in nature. In pursuit of this gobal, the capability of the larvae of a barnacle, B. amphitrite to starve at different temperatures (5, 15 and 25 degrees C) was examined. At 5plus or minus, the larvae could recover back and metamorphose after 204h (8.3%); where as at 25 degrees C this was 36h (12.5%). The impact of this factor on larval recruitment is discussed