Spatial and temporal patterns of recruitment can strongly influence both the abundance and distribution of animals, as well as the evolution of life history characteristics. Larvae of most benthic and demersal fishes arrive on reefs with well-developed swimming and sensory capabilities and therefore, have the potential to strongly influence the pattern of recruitment by controlling where and when they settle. This research will experimentally examine the role of larval behavior in determining the pattern of settlement of a benthic fish common to oyster reefs. The naked goby was chosen because its larvae undergo a demersal schooling phase prior to settlement. Larvae of this species are extremely abundant and can be easily observed. Dr. Palmer and collaborators will focus on two aspects of larval behavior (1) how larval behavior influences pre-settlement distribution and dispersion patterns, in turn, influence spatial patterns of settlement. These two processes are extremely important to the ultimate patterns of recruitment because they can determine which other species influence larval survival and movement, the spatial distribution of recruits, the need for post-settlement dispersal and the importance of density-dependent interactions.
