BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Halichondria panicea
All Taxonomy Biology Distribution Reproduction

Researched by	Dr Keith Hiscock	Data supplied by	MarLIN
Refereed by	Dr Rob van Soest
General Biology
Growth form	Cushion	Feeding method	Active suspension feeder
Mobility/Movement	Permanent attachment	Environmental position	Epiphytic Epilithic
Typical food types	Phytoplankton	Habit	Attached
Bioturbator	Not relevant	Flexibility	None (< 10 degrees)
Fragility	Fragile	Size	Medium(11-20 cm)
Height	1 - 25 cm	Growth Rate	Average 0.8mm/day in summer, 0.2 mm/day in winter
Adult dispersal potential	None	Dependency	Independent
Sociability	Colonial	Host for	Symbiotic algae
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
General Biology Additional Information	Growth rate Under optimal conditions, Vethaak et al. (1982) recorded a mean length increase of 0.8 mm / day in summer and 0.2 mm / day in winter. It should be noted that this figure was a mean of six specimens. In terms of percentage increase in area, Barthel (1988) recorded a 1.6% increase in area per day and an increase in mean organic body mass of 100-240% between March and August in the western Baltic. Leichler & Witman (1997) recorded growth rates of about 5% per week with highest growth rates in lower currents in the Gulf of Maine. Growth form Vethaak et al. (1982) described six distinct forms (as well as intermediate forms) including apparently free-living forms, low incrusting forms and massive forms with elaborate chimneys (see Vethaak et al., 1982 for further details and photographs).
Biology References	Fish & Fish, 1996, Barthel, 1988, Leichler & Witman, 1997, Campbell, 1994, Birkett et al., 1998(b), Barnes, 1980, Barthel & Wolfrath, 1989, Vethaak et al., 1982,