Data from: Quantitative analysis of the complete larval settlement process confirms Crisp’s model of surface selectivity by barnacles

For barnacle cypris larvae at the point of settlement, selection of an
appropriate surface is critical. Since post-settlement relocation is
usually impossible, barnacles have evolved finely-tuned surface sensing
capabilities to identify suitable substrata, and a temporary adhesion
system for extensive surface exploration. The pattern of exploratory
behaviour appears complex and may last for several hours, imposing
significant barriers to quantitative measurement. Here, we employ a novel
tracking system that enables simultaneous analysis of the larval body
movement of multiple individuals over their entire planktonic phase. For
the first time, we describe quantitatively the complete settlement process
of cyprids as they explore and select surfaces for attachment. We confirm
the ‘classic’ behaviours of wide searching, close searching and inspection
that comprise a model originally proposed by Prof. Dennis Crisp FRS.
Moreover, a short-term assay of cyprid body movement has identified
inspection behaviour as the best indicator of propensity to settle, with
more inspection-related movements occurring in conditions that also
promote higher settlement. More than half-century after the model was
first proposed by Crisp, there exists a precise method for quantifying
cyprid settlement behaviour in wide-ranging investigations of barnacle
ecology and applied studies of fouling management.