BIOTIC Species Information for Spio filicornis
Researched byLizzie Tyler Data supplied byUniversity of Sheffield
Refereed byThis information is not refereed.
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
 Developmental mechanismPlanktotrophic
Reproductive SeasonJanuary to September Reproductive LocationAdult burrow
Reproductive frequencyAnnual protracted Regeneration potential No
Life span1 year Age at reproductive maturity<1 year
Generation time<1 year Fecundity400
Egg/propagule size85 µm diameter Fertilization typeInsufficient information
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential>10km Larval settlement periodInsufficient information
Duration of larval stage2-10 days   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationReproduction
Srikrishnadhas & Ramamoorthi (1981) investigated the life history of Spio filicornis in the laboratory. Their findings are summarised below:
  • The spindle shaped egg mass was laid inside the worm's tube, stuck to the side of the tube with mucus produced by the female.
  • Within 12 hours, the eggs metamorphosed into trochophores (larvae) which were retained inside the egg mass.
  • After 36 hours three segments were faintly marked.
  • After thee days the larvae broke free of the egg mass and became pelagic.
  • Once the juvenile worm had 18-22 chaetigers (segments) it settled, metamorphosed, and burrowed into the sand where it built a tube of sand and detritus bound together with mucus.
  • Worms were sexually mature 2 months after metamorphosis.
Reproduction References Srikrishnadhas & Ramamoorthi, 1981, Diaz-Castaneda et al., 1989, Eckert, 2003,
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