BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Protanthea simplex

Researched by

Angus Jackson

Data supplied by

MarLIN

Refereed by

Dr Ib Svane

Reproduction/Life History

Reproductive type

Gonochoristic

Developmental mechanism

Lecithotrophic
Oviparous

Reproductive Season

September to October

Reproductive Location

Water column

Reproductive frequency

Annual episodic

Regeneration potential

Yes

Life span

Insufficient information

Age at reproductive maturity

Insufficient information

Generation time

Insufficient information

Fecundity

Insufficient information

Egg/propagule size

Insufficient information

Fertilization type

External

Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential	>10km	Larval settlement period	Insufficient information
Duration of larval stage	11-30 days

Reproduction Preferences Additional Information

At 10-12 °C the larvae spend 15-20 days in the plankton before settling. In Sweden breeding occurs in September and October. Breeding terminates earlier in shallower water. Fertilization of the eggs occurs in the water column. The reproductive organs are white or orange- pink. Fragments of tissue in this species (except the tentacles) are capable of regenerating into complete anemones, a form of vegetative, asexual reproduction (Manuel, 1988).
Apart from Protanthea simplex, the only other species in the family Gonactinidae is Gonactinia prolifera. Gonactinia prolifera is unique in that the planula larva carries 'collar cells' similar in structure to the choanocyes of sponges and it is possible that Protanthea simplex has similar cells (I. Svane, pers. comm.). These secretory cells contain yolk granules and are undoubtedly involved in the formation of the fibrous coating of the planula which is again a unique feature of its planula (Chia et al, 1989).

Reproduction References

Nyholm, 1959, Carlgren, 1921, Chia et al., 1989,