BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Nemertesia antennina

Researched by

Olwen Ager

Data supplied by

MarLIN

Refereed by

This information is not refereed.

Reproduction/Life History

Reproductive type

Gonochoristic

Developmental mechanism

Lecithotrophic

Reproductive Season

Insufficient information

Reproductive Location

As adult

Reproductive frequency

Annual episodic

Regeneration potential

Life span

<1 year

Age at reproductive maturity

Insufficient information

Generation time

<1 year

Fecundity

Variable

Egg/propagule size

Insufficient information

Fertilization type

Internal

Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential	10-100m	Larval settlement period	Insufficient information
Duration of larval stage	<1 day

Reproduction Preferences Additional Information

Life span is only 4-5 months and there are three generations per year, each featuring a period of growth, reproduction and death (Hughes, 1977). Planula larvae secrete a mucous thread which aids dispersal of the planula (Hughes, 1977) but which may also assist in getting caught in the tall branches of other Nemertesia antennina, thereby helping the species to form clumps (Gili & Hughes, 1995). Disperal of planula is, therefore, dependant on current speeed, turbulence and height of release, e.g. Hughes (1977) suggested a potential dispersal range of 5 - 50m in Torbay, Devon. Planulae also crawl (although probably no more than 2 m ) before settlement and it is possible that they attach to the substratum with mucous (Hughes, 1977). Hughes (1977) reported three reproductive periods in colonies off Torbay. Regenerated individuals made up ca 16 % of the Torbay population but these individuals had fewer gonagia (Hughes, 1977).

Reproduction References

Gili & Huges, 1995, Hughes, 1977, Hughes, 1979,