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Biol Bull 118: 31-47. (February 1960)
© 1960 Marine Biological Laboratory
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THE MOULTING CYCLE IN BALANUS BALANOIDES L

D. J. CRISP 1 and B. S. PATEL 1

1 Marine Biology Station, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, N. Wales

1. The seasonal variations in the frequency of moulting of boreo-arctic species of the operculate barnacle Balanus balanoides L. were studied during the years 1954-57 by observing groups of barnacles kept in the laboratory at temperatures corresponding to that of sea water. The rate of moulting, which was about 8 to 12% casts per day per barnacle during October-November, fell sharply by November-December and fertilised animals underwent a period of anecdysis for about 6 to 8 weeks. They resumed moulting at a slower rate, reaching a maximum by May with a slight decrease in June-August, rising again towards the breeding season in November.

2. In this species the first cast after the period of anecdysis always contained all tissues of the penis, separated by an abscission layer of new cuticle. Neither food, temperature nor the act of fertilisation were directly responsible for the loss of the penis. The evidence indicates that the loss of the penis is part of a physiological cycle in which gonads undergo recession after they have reached full development. A new penis gradually developed during the period of summer growth, reaching its maximum length before the onset of the breeding season.

3. Feeding influenced the moulting rhythm, but the effect made itself felt only after the first 10 to 15 days following collection from the shore. The moulting rate of specimens maintained without food for a period longer than this (i.e., for about 30 to 60 days) fell considerably from the initial value, but animals fed on Artemia larvae continued to moult at about the same rate as when freshly brought in from the shore.

4. The moulting rate of specimens given food increased linearly with the rise in temperature from 3-20° C.; on the other hand the moulting rate of starved specimens only increased from 3-12° C. and fell considerably with further rise. Temperatures higher than 25° C. were lethal to both groups.

5. Neither the lunar cycle nor the tidal level had any influence on the moulting rhythm.

6. The parasite Hemioniscus balani, which caused castration of the female gonads, did not influence the frequency of moulting.






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Copyright © 1960 by the Marine Biological Laboratory.