Studies On the Barnacle Balanus Amphitrite Darwin, 1854 (Cirripedia) From Lake Timsah in the Suez Canal

Abstract

The reproductive seasonality and the growth rate of Balanus amphitrite were studied in Lake Timsah in the mid-region of the Suez Canal. Some nauplius larvae were recorded in each month, but they were abundant only from April to October. Cyprid larvae were most abundant from July to August, and settlement from June to October. At different stations in the lake, frequency of settlement was related to biotic rather than abiotic factors. Growth rate was faster in summer than winter, and was related to water quality. The seasonal pattern of reproduction in Lake Timsah reflected the marked seasonality in environmental conditions.