A New Plankton Sampler for Coral Reefs |
| |
| Authors: | Klaus Rutzler Joan D Ferraris Ronald J Larson |
| |
| Institution: | National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution;Washington, D.C. 20560, U.S.A.;Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory;SaUbury Cove, Maine 04672, U.S.A. |
| |
| Abstract: | Abstract. A new self-contained Horizontal Plankton Sampler (HOPLASA) collects near-reef plankton that is not captured by conventional net tows and emergence traps. An electrical motor-propeller assembly inside a large acrylic cylinder drives water past an in-line flowmeter and through a rigidly attached plankton net. When positioned in the coral reef environment this sampling gear filters known quantities of bottom water. Larvae and developmental stages of many invertebrates and some fishes that never migrate to upper water layers but constitute an important fraction of the food chain are captured. Larvae of sponges, corals, and gorgonians, the most important animal reef builders, are obtained live and undamaged and can be cultured in the laboratory for identification after metamorphosis. |
| |
| Keywords: | Plankton sampler coral reefs near-reef plankton |
|
|
