Marine algal symbionts benefit benthic invertebrate embryos deposited in gelatinous egg masses

This study demonstrates a symbiotic relationship between marine algae and the invertebrate embryos in gelatinous egg masses found in Indian River Lagoon, FL, USA. The benefits to the embryos in this association differ among host species investigated. The embryos of the polychaete Axiothella mucosa graze on the diatom assemblage in their egg masses and the fitness of the crawl-away juveniles is improved by this food source. The tenuous egg masses of the polychaete Arenicola cristata and the mollusk Haminoea succinea are negatively buoyant when spawned and become buoyant when symbiotic algae are present.

This is the author’s version of a work accepted for publication by Elsevier. Changes resulting from the publishing process, including peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting and other quality control mechanisms, may not be reflectedin this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted forpublication. The definitive version has been published athttp://www.elsevier.com/locate/jembe and may be cited as Peyton, Kimberly A., M. DennisHanisak, Junda Lin (2004) Marine algal symbionts benefit benthic invertebrate embryosdeposited in gelatinous egg masses, Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 307(2):139–164 doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2004.01.022

Florida Atlantic University. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute contribution #1545.