BIOTIC Species Information for Poecilochaetus spp.
Researched bySean Lindsley-Leake Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byThis information is not refereed
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
Developmental mechanismPlanktotrophic
Reproductive Seasonspring to summer Reproductive LocationWater column
Reproductive frequencyAnnual episodic Regeneration potential Yes
Life spanInsufficient information Age at reproductive maturity<1 year
Generation time<1 year FecundityInsufficient information
Egg/propagule size200 µm Fertilization typeExternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialSee additional information Larval settlement periodlate summer
Duration of larval stage11-30 days   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationTwo stages of development, 1) the metatrocophore stage, 2) the nectosome stage with reduced ciliation, well developed occipital tentacles, and swimming with the help of serpetine movements. For the main part, propulsion is by muscular movement, which is rare among polychaete larvae. A mucous thread, produced from the ventral ciliated pit, is used for feeding but it probably aslo plays a role in the buoyancy of the larva. A larva with a 50-setiger body is about 10mm long. Larval life is entirely pelagic and lasts for four weeks. Dispersal in this polychaete is aided by its association with marine snow, both for food and facilitation of dispersal.
Reproduction References Rouse & Pleijel, 2001, Allen, 1905, Nozais et al., 1997,
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