BIOTIC Species Information for Fucus distichus
Researched byNicola White Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byDr Graham Scott
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typePermanent hermaphrodite
 Developmental mechanismNot relevant
Reproductive SeasonApril to August Reproductive LocationInsufficient information
Reproductive frequencyAnnual protracted Regeneration potential No
Life span3-5 years Age at reproductive maturity1-2 years
Generation time1-2 years FecundityInsufficient information
Egg/propagule sizeInsufficient information Fertilization typeInsufficient information
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialInsufficient information Larval settlement periodNot relevant
Duration of larval stageInsufficient information   
Reproduction Preferences Additional Information
  • Receptacles of Fucus distichus are initiated in December, they become ripe in April and gametes are released from April to August. Plants usually become mature when 100mm long. The whole plant dies back after reproducing and is removed from the rock by wave action during its third winter. Most plants live for 2 to 3 years (Powell, 1957b).
  • Fucus distichus produces gametes of both sexes within each conceptacle. When released, ova can survive and disperse for several days. Antherozoids can only live for several hours. Self-fertilisation is thought to be high in the species and once a zygote is formed it can only be dispersed over limited distances (Rice et al., 1985).
Reproduction References Powell, 1957(b), Rice et al., 1985, Ang, 1991,
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