The swimming behaviour and distribution of Neomysis integer in relation to tidal flow

Lawrie, S.M. and Speirs, D. and Rafaelli, D.G. and Gurney, William and Patterson, D.M. and Ford, R. (1999) The swimming behaviour and distribution of Neomysis integer in relation to tidal flow. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 242 (1). pp. 95-106. ISSN 0022-0981

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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