Induction of larval attachment and metamorphosis in the abalone Haliotis diversicolor (Reeve)

The attachment and metamorphic responses of veliger larvae of the abalone, Haliotis diversicolor (Reeve) to potassium chloride (KCl), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and natural cues were determined. Attachment and metamorphosis of H. diversicolor were two distinctly different responses. Attachment was characterized by larval contact with a substratum followed by crawling with the larval foot firmly attached to the surface of the substratum. This...