Perhaps a case of semantics?
I'm not sure about the word "thigmotoxic" (poisonous touch?), but I do know that
fouling organisms can be considered "thigmotaxic" which means they
physiologically react to different surfaces. For example, acorn barnacles tend
to fix themselves to rocks and iron, whereas goose barnacles prefer wood.
Hope this helps,
Jer
Jeremy Weirich, LTJG/NOAA
NOAA Ship WHITING
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Subject: Thigmotoxic?
Author: [log in to unmask] (Maxim Candries)
Date: 10/18/01 12:55 AM
Hi,
I read somewhere that fouling organisms are thigmotoxic, which would
mean that they prefer to settle on rough surfaces.
However, when I looked up "thigmotoxic", I didn't find a reference
anywhere.
I don't see how "thigmo" (Gr: touch) indicates a connection with
roughness.
Can anybody confirm that to have come across this word in this context?
Or would you know a good reference on the preference of fouling
organisms to settle on rough surfaces?
Best Regards,
Maxim Candries
Department of Marine Technology
Newcastle University
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