The swimming behaviour and distribution of Neomysis integer in relation to tidal flow
Lawrie, S.M.; Speirs, D.C.; Raffaelli, D.G.; Gurney, W.S.C.; Paterson, D.M.; Ford, R. (1999). The swimming behaviour and distribution of Neomysis integer in relation to tidal flow. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 242(1): 95-106. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0022-0981(99)00097-0 In: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. Elsevier: New York. ISSN 0022-0981; e-ISSN 1879-1697, more | |
Keywords | Distribution > Ecological distribution Environmental conditions Habitat selection Locomotion > Swimming Motion > Water motion > Water currents > Tidal currents Velocity > Current velocity Velocity > Current velocity > Stream flow rate Neomysis integer (Leach, 1814) [WoRMS] Brackish water |
Authors | | Top | - Lawrie, S.M.
- Speirs, D.C.
- Raffaelli, D.G., more
| - Gurney, W.S.C.
- Paterson, D.M., more
- Ford, R.
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Abstract | The behaviour and distribution of the estuarine mysid shrimp, Neomysis integer, were investigated in relation to a variety of flow regimes in the field and in the laboratory. In the field, Neomysis aggregated in low-flow areas, such as in the lee of rocks and macroalgal clumps. Over the low-tide period and during ascending and high-tide periods, individuals were concentrated in a band toward the moving tide edge where flows are typically low. Experiments performed using a laboratory flume demonstrated a clear response of Neomysis to flow, the proportion of individuals above the bed declining with increasing flow. At flows of up to 10 cm s-1 , 90-95% of individuals were able to maintain position on the bed of the flume, but at flows greater than this, Neomysis were unable to maintain position. When provided with a choice of water depths in a laboratory static tank (zero flow), there was little evidence of depth-seeking behaviour. We suggest that avoidance of areas of high flow is a key factor determining the local distribution of Neomysis. |
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