BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Neocrania anomala

Researched by

Lizzie Tyler

Data supplied by

University of Sheffield

Refereed by

This information is not refereed.

Reproduction/Life History

Reproductive type

Gonochoristic

Developmental mechanism

Lecithotrophic

Reproductive Season

April to November

Reproductive Location

Water column

Reproductive frequency

Annual protracted

Regeneration potential

Life span

6-10 years

Age at reproductive maturity

Generation time

Insufficient information

Fecundity

Egg/propagule size

122.5 µm diameter

Fertilization type

External

Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential	100-1000m	Larval settlement period	Insufficient information
Duration of larval stage	2-10 days

Reproduction Preferences Additional Information

Longevity is suspected to be between 8-10 years. There is no obvious sexual dimorphism although the colour of the gonads may be distinguishing. Testes are light coloured white, pink, cream or blue and ovaries are orange-brown. Egg diameter is 120-125 microns. The species is free-spawning and fertilization is external in the surrounding water column. The eggs are more dense than seawater hatching into a free-swimming larval stage. The larvae are fully developed within three days and settle out in no more than a few days. Most of the literature suggests that dispersal ability is not great. Although the species may inhabit areas with water flow rates of up to 3 knots, the often restricted and sheltered habitat such as sea lochs may reduce dispersal ability. The breeding season in western Scotland has been inferred from the presence of recently settled juveniles. The larva may be able to delay settlement if the initial substratum is unsuitable or the water is too deep.

Reproduction References

James et al., 1992, Rowell, 1960, Long & Stricker, 1991,