ABSTRACT
Spawned females of A. bifida show a marked brooding behavior in protecting pinnule-borne eggs or embryos. Fully differenciated doliolariae hatch from the fertilization membrane ca 24 hours after fertilization. Swimming and pre-settling larval behaviors are described. It is suggested that the doliolaria apical tuft functions as a sensory organ that is able to test the quality of the substratum. Definitive larval settlement occur at the latest 5 days after fertilization.
