The Biology of Balanus balanoides. III. The Soft Parts

Abstract

1. The relation between the dry weight of the decalcified barnacle and its shell volume has been determined in its relation to age, season and tidal level, at Port Erin, with the following results: (a) In immature barnacles, tissue growth continues throughout the year, but is most rapid in the spring and autumn, (b) In mature barnacles which produce a considerable amount of larvæ there is a heavy drop in tissue weight during the summer period of high temperature, and another slighter drop during the winter, the latter being apparently associated with the presence of developing larvæ in the mantle cavity.2. Gonad samples were examined seasonally. At low levels on the shore the barnacles mature in their first year. Above this level they do not commence to mature until over a year old. The sequence of changes in the gonads is described. A condition of senility is found in many of the largest high-water barnacles.3. The naupliar content was estimated in relation to size and tidal level, counts of up to 13,000 larvæ per individual being obtained. The dry weight of a fully developed nauplius was determined to be 7·5×10^-4 mgm.