MOLTING AND SHELL GROWTH IN BALANUS AMPHITRITE NIVEUS

Abstract

A study of molting and shell growth in Balanus amphitrite niveus indicates that the frequency of molting is every 2-3 days. This frequency is not significantly altered by differences in exposure to light. Regularity does decline to some extent after the 6th molt. Shell growth rate is higher in total darkness than in 24 hour light. No apparent relationship exists between ecdysis and shell growth rate. Mortality, in both the laboratory and natural environment, is highest during the first week, corresponding with the first two molting periods.