Go with the flow: tidal migration in marine animals .

Robin N Gibson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

210 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Many shallow-water organisms are subjected to regular, frequent and considerable changes in their environment imposed by the tides. Such changes range from complex alterations in local conditions, as in the intertidal zone, to simpler variations in current speed and direction offshore. To take advantage of the opportunities these changes provide, many animals undertake regular vertical and/or horizontal migratory movements in synchrony with the tidal cycle. Others use tidal currents selectively for transport to new habitats. Such movements vary in extent from a few mm to several km and may be modulated by the diel cycle of light intensity. This paper reviews the existence of tidal migration in marine animals from various taxa and habitats. Crustacean and fish examples illustrate the various functions of tidal migration, including transport, feeding, predator avoidance and reproduction. These functions are not necessarily mutually exclusive and may change throughout ontogeny. The mechanisms involved in migration are discussed in terms of direct reactions to environmental stimuli and the interaction of these responses with endogenous rhythms of activity and responsiveness.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)153-161
Number of pages9
JournalHydrobiologia
Issue numberVol 503, Iss 1-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2003

Keywords

  • INTERTIDAL MIGRATION
  • PLATICHTHYS-FLESUS L.
  • WADDEN SEA
  • PLAICE PLEURONECTES-PLATESSA
  • CRAB CARCINUS-MAENAS
  • Marine & Freshwater Biology
  • SHORE CRAB
  • JUVENILE PLAICE
  • DOLLARD EMS ESTUARY
  • BIVALVE MACOMA-BALTHICA
  • UNDERWATER TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS

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