BIOTIC Species Information for Harmothoe spp.
Researched byDr Paul Somerfield & Prof. Richard Warwick Data supplied byPML
Refereed byThis information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific nameHarmothoe spp. Common nameA polychaete worm
MCS CodeP50 Recent Synonyms

PhylumAnnelida Subphylum
Superclass ClassPolychaeta
Subclass OrderPhyllodocida
Suborder FamilyPolynoidae
GenusHarmothoe Species
Subspecies   

Additional Information
Taxonomy References Howson & Picton, 1997,
General Biology
Growth formVermiform segmented
Feeding method
Mobility/Movement Environmental positionEpibenthic
Typical food typesSmall invertebrates, seagrass, diatoms HabitFree living
Bioturbator FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeSmall-medium(3-10cm)
Height Growth RateNot researched
Adult dispersal potential100-1000m Dependency
Sociability
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information
Biology References Fish & Fish, 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Rouse & Pleijel, 2001 , Hayward et al., 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandNot researched
Global distributionNot researched
Biogeographic rangeNot researched Depth range
Migratory   
Distribution Additional Information

Substratum preferencesAlgae
Other species (see additional information)
Gravel / shingle
Crevices / fissures
Physiographic preferences
Biological zone Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow Salinity
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
Developmental mechanism
Reproductive SeasonSee additional information Reproductive LocationAs adult
Reproductive frequency Regeneration potential No
Life span3-5 years Age at reproductive maturity1-2 years
Generation timeNot researched Fecundity4000 - 5000 eggs per female
Egg/propagule size Fertilization typeExternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialNot researched Larval settlement periodJuly to August
Duration of larval stage   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationAlthough fertilisation is external, males and females lie closely together. Reproductive season varies with species. It has been reported as April to May in Harmothoe imbricata, November to January for Harmothoe extenuata and 'spring' for Harmothoe impar (Thorson, 1946; Fish & Fish, 1996)
Reproduction References Fish & Fish, 1996, Thorson, 1946, Giangrande, 1997, Rasmussen, 1973, Curtis, 1977, Daly, 1972,
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