Three dimensional tracking of exploratory behavior of barnacle cyprids using stereoscopy

authored by: S. Maleschlijski, G. H. Sendra, A. Di Fino, Laura Leal-Taixé, I. Thome, A. Terfort, N. Aldred, M. Grunze, A. S. Clare, Bodo Rosenhahn, Axel Rosenhahn
Abstract: Surface exploration is a key step in the colonization of surfaces by sessile marine biofoulers. As many biofouling organisms can delay settlement until a suitable surface is encountered, colonization can comprise surface exploration and intermittent swimming. As such, the process is best followed in three dimensions. Here we present a low-cost transportable stereoscopic system consisting of two consumer camcorders. We apply this novel apparatus to behavioral analysis of barnacle larvae (≈ 800 lm length) during surface exploration and extract and analyze the three-dimensional patterns of movement. The resolution of the system and the accuracy of position determination are characterized. As a first practical result, three-dimensional swimming trajectories of the cypris larva of the barnacle Semibalanus balanoides are recorded in the vicinity of a glass surface and close to PEG2000-OH and C₁₁NMe₃ ⁺Cl_- terminated self-assembled monolayers. Although less frequently used in biofouling experiments due to its short reproductive season, the selected model species [Marechal and Hellio (2011), Int Biodeterior Biodegrad, 65(1):92-101] has been used following a number of recent investigations on the settlement behavior on chemically different surfaces [Aldred et al. (2011), ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 3(6):2085-2091]. Experiments were scheduled to match the availability of cyprids off the north east coast of England so that natural material could be used. In order to demonstrate the biological applicability of the system, analysis of parameters such as swimming direction, swimming velocity and swimming angle are performed.
Organisation(s): Institute of Information Processing
External Organisation(s): Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Newcastle University
Goethe University Frankfurt
Heidelberg University
Type: Article
Journal: Biointerphases
Volume: 7
Pages: 1-9
No. of pages: 9
ISSN: 1934-8630
Publication date: 21.08.2012
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Chemistry(all), Biomaterials, Materials Science(all), Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all), Physics and Astronomy(all)
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 14 - Life Below Water
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1007/s13758-012-0050-x (Access: Open)