Predator-enhanced diel vertical migration in a planktonic dinoflagellate

Diel vertical migration (DVM) is a common and conspicuous behavior amongst planktonic organisms. In the case of dinoflagellates, both light and nutrients have been shown to regulate DVM, although the role of predators (grazers) has been understudied. Here we report the results of an experimental stu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine ecology. Progress series (Halstenbek) 2012-02, Vol.447, p.49-54
Main Authors: Bollens, Stephen M., Quenette, Joel A., Rollwagen-Bollens, Gretchen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acartia
Akashiwo sanguinea
Animal migration behavior
Estuaries
Fluorescence
Lamps
Marine
Marine ecology
Plankton
Predators
Sea water
Vertical distribution
Zooplankton
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Summary:Diel vertical migration (DVM) is a common and conspicuous behavior amongst planktonic organisms. In the case of dinoflagellates, both light and nutrients have been shown to regulate DVM, although the role of predators (grazers) has been understudied. Here we report the results of an experimental study using a system of ‘plankton mini-towers’ to examine the DVM behavior of the marine planktonic dinoflagellateAkashiwo sanguinea.A. sanguineaundertook a pronounced reverse DVM (down during the night, up during the day) in both the absence and presence of copepod predators (Acartiaspp.). In the presence of copepods, however, the amplitude of the DVM was enhanced, providing the dinoflagellate with greater spatial separation from its ‘normally’ migrating predator. We briefly discuss the causes (cues) and ecological consequences of predator-enhanced DVM in dinoflagellates.
ISSN:0171-8630
1616-1599
DOI:10.3354/meps09467