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Spatial variation in the recruitment of sessile marine invertebrates with planktonic larvae may be derived from a number of sources: events within the plankton, choices made by larvae at the time of settlement, and mortality of juvenile organisms after settlement, but before a census by an observer. These sources usually are not distinguished.

A study of the recruitment of four species of sessile invertebrates living on rock walls beneath a kelp canopy showed that both selection of microhabitats by settling larvae and predation by fish may be important. Two microhabitats were of interest; open, flat rock surfaces, and small pits and crevices that act as refuges from fish predators.

The polychaete Spirorbis eximus and the cyclostome bryozoan Tubulipora spp. showed no preference for refuges, but settled apparently at random on the available substrata. Tubulipora was preyed upon heavily by fish …