BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Fucus spiralis

Researched by

Nicola White

Data supplied by

MarLIN

Refereed by

Dr Graham Scott

Reproduction/Life History

Reproductive type

Vegetative
Permanent hermaphrodite

Developmental mechanism

Insufficient information

Reproductive Season

July to August

Reproductive Location

Reproductive frequency

Annual episodic

Regeneration potential

Life span

3-5 years

Age at reproductive maturity

1-2 years

Generation time

3-5 years

Fecundity

Insufficient information

Egg/propagule size

Insufficient information

Fertilization type

Insufficient information

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

Reproduction Preferences Additional Information

Fucus spiralis is hermaphroditic. Receptacles are initiated during late January to February, gametes discharged during July and August, and the receptacles shed by November, although exact timing of reproduction depends on location and the form of the plant. Young plants usually reach a length of 8 to 10 cm or more before they form receptacles. Reproduction usually begins before or during the second years growth. Vegetative recruitment occurs by the formation of new fronds from existing holdfasts. This form of reproduction is important in existing stands of the population, whereas recruitment by eggs is more important in disturbed areas or in areas where germlings are protected e.g. rock crevices.

Reproduction References

Niemeck & Mathieson, 1976, Robertson, 1985, Scott et al., 2000, Vernet & Harper, 1980,