Fine-scale ontogenetic shifts in settlement behaviour of mussels: changing responses to biofilm and conspecific settler presence in Mytilus galloprovincialis and Perna perna.

The article presents a study that examines the effects of biofilm and conspecific settlers, separately and in combination, on subsequent primary and secondary settlement of co-existing Perna Perna and Mytilus Galloprovincials in South Africa. It states that the study was conducted at two coastal sites in South Africa, wherein spatial replication of the experiments were conducted. Several experimental treatments were conducted including biofilm, settler, and one control treatment for the course of 5 preparatory days to examine the indigenous settlers' behavioural responses. Results show that both biofilm and conspecific presence have positive effects on settlements and that it provides new understanding for small-scale settlement patterns and influence large-scale ecological processes.