REACTIONS OF THE CYPRID LARVÆ OF BARNACLES TO LIGHT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SPECTRAL COLORS

Abstract

A study of the reactions of the cyprid larvae of Balanus improvisus, of B. amphitrite, and of Chthamalus fragilis shows that spectral colors of equal energy values have different stimulating efficiencies. Light in the field of the green and blue-green had the optimum stimulating value. This study indicates that light may be an important factor governing the attachment of organisms which cause fouling of ships'' bottoms and indicates a theoretical solution of this economic problem.