BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Victorella pavida

Researched by

Michelle Carter & Angus Jackson

Data supplied by

MarLIN

Refereed by

This information is not refereed.

Reproduction/Life History

Reproductive type

Protandrous hermaphrodite

Developmental mechanism

Lecithotrophic

Reproductive Season

June to September

Reproductive Location

Reproductive frequency

Regeneration potential

Life span

See additional information

Age at reproductive maturity

<1 year

Generation time

<1 year

Fecundity

Ca 25 eggs per gravid zooid

Egg/propagule size

Fertilization type

Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential	Insufficient information	Larval settlement period
Duration of larval stage	<1 day

Reproduction Preferences Additional Information

Life span
The life span of an individual zooid has not been researched in this species. Generally, the polypides (combined lophophore and gut) of individual zooids within a bryozoan colony have the potential to undergo a cyclical degeneration and regeneration process. Polypides may last for one week up to 10 weeks (Reed, 1991). With respect to the life span of a Victorella pavida colony, new colonies emerge from dormancy during the spring and when temperatures are approximately 13°C. By November and the onset of winter, zooids begin to degenerate and eventually only the asexually produced dormant resting bodies (hibernacula) remain. The hibernacula germinate again in the spring and the cycle begins again (Carter, 2004).

Reproduction frequency
Reproduction is seasonal and eggs were observed in zooids from June to September. Following reproduction the colony will degenerate in preparation for winter dormancy (Carter, 2004).

Fecundity
Approximately 25 eggs can be produced per gravid zooid (Carter, 2004). Overall colony fecundity, therefore, varies with size of the colony.

Reproduction References

Reed, 1991, Carter, 2004,