Light

Light

Illumination at the site of attachment has a direct relation to the intensity of the settlement of foulers.  Among barnacles, some species settle during daytime on dark coloured or shaded surfaces while certain others show a diurnal pattern, the maximum settling during daytime. Cyprids prefer a diffused low light intensity.These light preferences  probably play an important role enabling the larvae to get attached.  For example, the macroplant fouling organisms ( seaweeds and other algae) prefer to occupy the higher level of the objects either in the intertidal or surface of the water as they require sufficient light to carry out photosynthesis. 

Last modified: Tuesday, 10 April 2012, 7:44 AM