BIOTIC Species Information for Golfingia spp.
Researched bySean Lindsley-Leake Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byThis information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific nameGolfingia spp. Common nameA sipunculid
MCS CodeN16 Recent Synonyms

PhylumSipuncula Subphylum
Superclass ClassSipunculidea
Subclass OrderGolfingiiformes
Suborder FamilyGolfingiidae
GenusGolfingia Species
Subspecies   

Additional Information
Taxonomy References Hayward & Ryland, 1995b,
General Biology
Growth form Feeding method
Mobility/MovementBurrower
Environmental position
Typical food typesDetritus HabitFree living
Bioturbator FlexibilityLow (10-45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeSmall-medium(3-10cm)
Height Growth Rate
Adult dispersal potential DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information
Biology References Gibbs, 1976, Gibbs, 1975, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & Ireland
Global distribution
Biogeographic range Depth range
Migratory   
Distribution Additional Information

Substratum preferences Physiographic preferences
Biological zone Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow Salinity
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typePermanent hermaphrodite
Gonochoristic
Developmental mechanismLecithotrophic
Oviparous
Reproductive SeasonSee additional information Reproductive LocationSediment surface
Reproductive frequencyAnnual episodic Regeneration potential Yes
Life spanInsufficient information Age at reproductive maturityInsufficient information
Generation timeInsufficient information Fecundity120-200
Egg/propagule sizesee additional information Fertilization typeExternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialInsufficient information Larval settlement perioddependant on larval duration
Duration of larval stage1-6 months   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationEgg size is species dependant with a range from 125 µm -280 µm. In Plymouth area: G.elongata:160 µm, G.rimicola: 165 µm G.margaricea:200 µm G.minuta: 240-280 µm. Development also varies, lecithotrophic in some species, 2 pelagic stages-trochophore and lecithotrophic pelagosphera. There is also interspecific and regional variation in the reproductive season, G.elongata July-Aug, G.rimicola Oct-Nov, G.margariticea Oct-No. And Oct-Jan (US) Sept-Nov (Sweden) Nov-Jan (UK) in certain species. There is also variation in the type of reproduction, with the majority of species being gonochoristic but G.elongata being hermaphroditic.
Reproduction References Rice, 1989, Gibbs, 1976, Gibbs, 1975, Cutler, 1994, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b,
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