Malacological Society of Australasia

Molluscan Research

Volume 18, Issue 2 (Australasian Abalone): 31 October 1997. Edited by S.A. Shepherd, P.E.McShane and F.E.Wells

Post-settlement survival of abalone (Haliotis iris, H. australis) in turbulent flows.

J. Reyn. Naylor and Paul E. McShane*.

National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd, PO Box 14-901, Kilbirnie, Wellington, New Zealand.
*Present address: SARDI Aquatic Sciences, PO Box 120, Henley Beach, South Australia 5022.

An experimental flow tank which reproduces an oscillating flow typical of shallow coastal waters (ca. 2 m.sec-1) was used to experimentally examine the influence of water flow on the post-settlement survival of abalone (Haliotis iris and H. australis). Experimental inocula of hatchery-reared larvae settled on substrata of contrasting crustose coralline morphology (encrusting vs warty) were monitored during 24 h exposure trials to calm and turbulent flow regimes. Results indicated greater survival of H. iris on encrusting coralline surfaces (Spongites yendoi) than on warty surfaces (Mesophyllum printzianum): a result attributable to differential predation by infaunal polychaete worms. Survival of H. australis on both surfaces was much lower than for H. iris suggesting interspecific differences in the interaction between surface morphology and turbulence. The results suggest that both H. iris and H. australis are well adapted to torrential flows in nearshore habitats, but there is an interaction between the physical and biological aspects of the habitat to which these abalone recruit.

pp. 227-232.