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1.
Despite the wide distribution of zoanthids, little is known about their pattern of reproduction. Here we investigate the reproductive biology of two Mediterranean species, the common Parazoanthus axinellae (Schmidt) and the rare Savalia savaglia (Bertoloni). For both species, samples were collected during an annual cycle, from January to December 2005, in the Western Mediterranean (Ligurian Sea, Italy). Both species are gonochoric. In P. axinellae the sex‐ratio (n colonies = 30) showed a slight predominance of male colonies (M/F = 1.35), whereas in the population of S. savaglia (n colonies = 15) a predominance of females was found (M/F = 0.3). In P. axinellae the first gametocytes were visible in March, whereas in S. savaglia they became visible in May. Both species reproduce at the end of autumn when seawater temperature begins to decrease. Parazoanthus axinellae (10 m depth) spawns eggs and sperms in November, whereas S. savaglia (67 m depth) spawns in December. In P. axinellae sexes were segregated on a rocky wall, with males occurring deeper, whereas male and female colonies of S. savaglia were irregularly dispersed in the population. The maximum number of oocytes differed between the species, being higher in P. axinellae than in S. savaglia.  相似文献   

2.
Today, living banks of the coral Cladocora caespitosa appear to be restricted to a few Mediterranean locations and are threatened by the escalating impacts affecting coastal areas. In this study the exceptional occurrence of the Mediterranean coral C. caespitosa in the Columbretes Islands Marine Reserve (NW Mediterranean, Spain) is characterised in terms of spatial distribution, cover area, colony size and growth rates. The coral colonies form beds and banks in rocky bottoms within a semi‐enclosed bay that offers both hydrodynamic protection and high water exchange. The spatial distribution of the C. caespitosa colonies, from 5 to 27 m depth, is highly aggregated, depending on sea‐floor morphology and showing up to 80% of substrate coverage. The annual corallite growth rates obtained through the alizarin red staining method and x‐ray image analysis are similar, and range between 2.55 ± 0.79 mm and 2.54 ± 0.81 mm, respectively. The exceptional nature of these bioconstructions is due to their cumulative cover area, which is comparable in size to the largest C. caespitosa bioconstructions described to date in Mljet National Park (Croatia, Adriatic Sea).  相似文献   

3.
The Indo-Pacific oyster Chama pacifica Broderip, 1835 (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Chamidae) is rarely found in the Northern Red Sea reefs of Eilat (Gulf of Aqaba), where it is outnumbered by its indigenous congener, Chama savignyi Lamy, 1921. The influx of Eritrean biota from the Red Sea into the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal has led to the formation of massive Chama oyster beds along the Eastern Mediterranean shore. However, unlike the Northern Red Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean Chama beds are dominated by C. pacifica oysters, whereas C. savignyi is absent from this region. In an attempt to understand this difference in their respective distribution, the reproductive biology of both species was compared. Histological analysis of the male and female gonads, monitored monthly from March 2009 to August 2010 in both regions, revealed a similar reproductive cycle, comprising six stages: onset of gametogenesis, advanced gametogenesis, ripe, ready to spawn, spent and sexual rest. Female gonads demonstrated an additional, seventh stage – restoration, coinciding with inferred spawning of ripe gametes. Both species were found to be dioecious spawners, with a single, annual, temperature-dependent inferred spawning period. Chama pacifica was found to reproduce efficiently in maximal Mediterranean seawater temperatures not experienced by the Northern Red Sea Chama populations. This study demonstrates the high invasive potential of an oyster species despite its rarity in its source region.  相似文献   

4.
Massive occurrences of jellyfish can cause direct impacts on the economy, especially on tourism and commercial fisheries. Translocation of jellyfish species by humans has caused damaging blooms in new habitats. Aurelia aurita s.l. has been introduced in many locations around the world. To test the potential success of Au. aurita s.l. in various habitats, scyphistomae from different climatic locations (Mediterranean, Red and Baltic Seas) were cultured individually for 201 days at three temperatures (14, 21 and 28 °C) with the same salinity, food and light. We tested the null hypotheses that there were no differences in survival or asexual reproduction (budding and strobilation) amongst populations [native (Mediterranean) and exotic (Red and Baltic)]. Survival of the three scyphistoma populations did not differ significantly across temperatures; however, the Red Sea group had lower survival at all temperatures than did the other populations. Most individuals strobilated at 14 °C. Red Sea scyphistomae strobilated more quickly than Baltic and Mediterranean Sea scyphistomae and produced the fewest ephyrae, whereas Baltic Sea scyphistomae produced the most. Our results indicate that Au. aurita from the Baltic or Red Seas introduced into the Northwest Mediterranean Sea would potentially persist and successfully asexually reproduce there. A new invader could even have greater asexual production than the local Au. aurita s.l. Establishment of the invaders could increase genetic variation of subsequent generations and increase their adaptability to environmental changes. Our results suggest that introduction of exotic Au. aurita s.l. populations could increase jellyfish blooms in the Mediterranean Sea.  相似文献   

5.
Different aspects of reproductive biology of the polychaete Timarete filigera (Delle Chiaje) were studied during a period of 2 years (from September 2002 to August 2003 and from September 2004 to August 2005). Timarete filigera specimens were collected monthly in the port of Bari (South Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Sea). For population analysis, regenerating and entire specimens were separately analyzed, the regenerating individuals were assigned to different categories related to the region of the body from which they derived. Regenerating individuals were present throughout the year. There were three to four times more individuals deriving from the middle part than the anterior and posterior regenerating portions. From the high percentage of regenerating individuals observed in the T. filigera population, it can be supposed that this species reproduces mainly asexually by schizogenesis. However, histological analysis revealed the presence of female gametes in a few individuals. In contrast, males were never collected, probably due to the limited number of reproductive individuals collected. The abundance has shown wide fluctuations during the year, with a decrease from Winter to Spring. The analysis of the size‐frequency histograms has shown a growing phase of whole specimens from Spring to Winter. The life cycle of the investigated species is discussed with the hypothesis that strategies could be linked to the colonized environments, agamic reproduction coupled with sexual reproduction assures the presence and expansion of the population after the colonization by a limited number of larvae.  相似文献   

6.
The population dynamics and gametogenesis of the non‐indigenous polychaete species Branchiomma luctuosum Grube, 1869 (Annelida, Sabellidae) has been investigated at three sites in the Taranto Seas (Ionian Sea, Mediterranean Sea). The species, probably introduced from the Red Sea, has been reported in the Mediterranean Sea since 1983. The species is hermaphrodite, and the reproductive season is between June and October when the largest mean size of oocytes was recorded together with the presence of mature spermatozoa. Small oocytes are present in specimens reaching about 20–25 mm in length. Therefore oogenesis seems to begin early during the first year of life, but the first reproduction can occur when the worms attain a larger size and are at least 6 months of age. Although most of the individuals reproduce seasonally within a discrete period, some individuals can reproduce in different periods during the year, the oogenesis of individuals not being synchronous. A life span of at least 2 years is highlighted, with a faster growth rate during the first months (about 20 mm per month) decreasing to about 10 mm from the 3rd to the 8th months and slowing down again after the worm reaches 100 mm in size. Some differences in growth performance are discussed, enhanced by comparing the sites located at greater depth (5–7 m) and those located at 0.5 m depth, together with the possible interactions of this alien species with the autochthonous sabellid Sabella spallanzanii.  相似文献   

7.
The biology, population dynamics, and production of Talorchestia brito were studied at two sandy beaches located on the Atlantic (Portugal) and on the Mediterranean (Tunisia) coasts, respectively. The seasonal variation in abundance and the overall densities were similar in both populations. Reproduction occurred from February to September in the Atlantic, and from March to early November in the Mediterranean. The sex ratio was male biased in the Atlantic, and female biased in the Mediterranean. Based on data from the Atlantic population, both abundance and the proportion of reproductive females were positively correlated with temperature, while the proportion of juveniles in the population was positively correlated with temperature and sediment moisture. On average, individuals from the Atlantic were larger than the ones from the Mediterranean. Life span was estimated at six to nine months in the Atlantic, and five to eight months in the Mediterranean. Talorchestia brito was shown to be a semiannual species, with iteroparous females producing two broods per year, and exhibited a bivoltine life cycle. The minimum age required for males' and females' sexual differentiation and for female sexual maturation was shorter in the Mediterranean. Growth production (P) was estimated at 0.19 g m−2 y−1 ash free dry weight (AFDW; 4.3 kJ m−2 y−1) in the Atlantic population, and 0.217 g m−2 y−1 AFDW (4.9 kJ m−2 y−1) in the Mediterranean one. Elimination production (E) was estimated at 0.35 g m−2 y−1 AFDW (7.9 kJ m−2 y−1) in the Atlantic, and 0.28 g m−2 y−1 AFDW (6.3 kJ m−2 y−1) in the Mediterranean. The average annual biomass ( ) (standing stock) was estimated at 0.032 g m−2 in the Atlantic beach, and 0.029 g m−2 in the Mediterranean one, resulting, respectively, in ratios of 5.9 and 7.5 and ratios of 10.8 and 9.6. Like other talitrids, T. brito exhibited geographic variation in morphometrical characteristics, sex ratio, growth rates, life span, and reproduction period, with the Atlantic population presenting a slower life history.  相似文献   

8.
A new homoscleromorph sponge species was observed for the first time in 2002 along the coast of Provence (France) and since then, several investigations have been implemented. The new homoscleromorph species is devoid of skeleton and it is thus related to the Oscarella genus. Oscarella balibaloi sp. nov. has been found in several littoral submarine caves of the Western Mediterranean Sea (France and Spain). After several years of monitoring, we show that this sponge is becoming abundant in several locations. The species has a peculiar habit, often overgrowing massive sponges, gorgonians or some erected bryozoans. Oscarella balibaloi sp. nov. is thinly encrusting, with an irregular morphology, lobate surface, and soft and very slimy consistency. Its color is white to orange. At the cytological level, this new species is characterized by three distinct types of cells with inclusions in its mesohyl: one with vacuoles and the others with paracrystalline inclusions. The reproduction pattern is very similar to other Oscarella species. We also present a specific metabolic fingerprint and compare it to that of other Mediterranean Oscarella species.  相似文献   

9.
The mangrove crab Aratus pisonii was considered to have an amphi‐American distribution; however, a recent study revealed that the Eastern Tropical Pacific populations were genetically distinct, thus representing a new species: Aratus pacificus. These species separated by the Isthmus of Panama have diverged under different environmental conditions that may have influenced their reproductive biology. As the available information about this genus concerns almost exclusively the Caribbean species, the aim of the present study was to analyse and compare reproductive aspects of Apacificus and A. pisonii obtained from both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica. Females were collected from April 2011 to April 2012, and reproductive features such as breeding season, size distribution of ovigerous females, fecundity, reproductive output, embryo volume and embryo water content were assessed. Both species produced embryos during the entire sampled period. Most females of A. pacificus carrying embryos close to hatching were found during the rainy season. Ovigerous females of A. pisonii were substantially larger and reached sexual maturity at a larger size than females of A. pacificus. Embryo production started in A. pacificus at a smaller female size than in A. pisonii. As fecundity increased with female size, the average fecundity was lower in A. pacificus. Females of A. pisonii produced larger embryos, which might be related to lower food availability: higher energy content in the embryo enhances the chances of larval survival. These data regarding reproductive features of the Pacific and Caribbean species support the conclusion to separate A. pacificus from A. pisonii.  相似文献   

10.
11.
The pleated ascidian Styela plicata (Lesueur, 1823) is a solitary species commonly found in ports and marinas around the world. It has been recorded in the Mediterranean region since the mid‐19th century. In the present work, the species’ genetic diversity was analysed, employing a 613‐bp portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene from 149 individuals collected in 14 ports along Italian coasts at spatial scales ranging from 1 to approximately 2200 km. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity values were = 0–0.933 (total = 0.789) and π = 0–0.145 (total π = 0.0094), respectively. A general southward trend of increasing within‐population genetic diversity was observed. Analysis of molecular variance revealed significant genetic structuring but no significant differences were detected among basins, and no isolation by distance was found. Our data were integrated with the COI sequences available from previous studies and re‐analysed in order to investigate the possible routes of introduction of this ascidian into the Mediterranean Sea. The presence of the two COI haplogroups detected in previous molecular investigations on S. plicata at intercontinental spatial scale was confirmed in the Mediterranean Sea. The results revealed multiple introductions of S. plicata, although some locations appear to have experienced rapid expansion from few founding individuals with reduced genetic diversity. However, continuous introductions would confound the pattern deriving from single founder events and make it difficult to estimate the time needed for gene diffusion into established populations. This mixing of effects creates difficulties in understanding the past and current dynamics of this introduction, and managing this alien invasive ascidian whose genetic structure is continuously shuffled by vessel‐mediated transport.  相似文献   

12.
Polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs) are among the more toxic anthropogenic contaminants. They are fat-soluble and accumulate in animal tissues. Exposure to PCDD/Fs can cause several endocrine, reproductive and developmental problems in animals, including human beings. Several studies have demonstrated that fish and invertebrates living in association with sediments are exposed to and accumulate contaminants, but to date there have been no studies of PCDD/Fs contamination in deep-sea regions. Specimens of Aristeus antennatus (Risso, 1816) were collected from depths of 600–2500 m at different points in the Mediterranean Sea, from the western basin off the coast of Barcelona to the central basin off the Peloponnesian Peninsula, with otter trawl gear. Amounts of PCDD/Fs were measured in different animal tissues by high resolution gas chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC–HRMS). This is the first study to report the presence of PCDD/Fs in deep-sea organisms dwelling at depths below 600 m. A. antennatus presented levels of PCDD/Fs of the same order of magnitude, or slightly higher, as those found in shallow-water species (Melicertus kerathurus) with respect to land-generated contamination. This highlights the widespread distribution of these pollutants and the potential threat posed to the biodiversity of fragile and vulnerable ecosystems such as the deep-sea. PCDD/F levels detected in the edible parts (muscle) of the commercial shrimp A. antennatus were clearly below the toxic limit value established by European legislation. Levels followed the trend muscle<ovary<hepatopancreas, according to the lipid content of the organs in question. The specific profile of toxic PCDD/F congeners in the studied Penaeid shrimp specimens was characterized mainly by octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) and 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) congeners. Moreover, non 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners bioaccumulated in this species, as observed in shallow-water crustaceans. PCDD/Fs were found in the shrimp A. antennatus throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Total PCDD/Fs burdens were higher in shrimps caught in the western Mediterranean than in those caught at eastern Mediterranean sites. There was a tendency for higher levels of PCDD/F contamination in samples obtained from deeper (2500 m) than from shallower sites (600 m).  相似文献   

13.
The genetic diversity and differentiation of four Zostera marina populations along the southern coast of Korea were estimated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to determine the effects of natural and anthropogenic stresses and reproductive strategy on within‐population genetic diversity. The mean number of alleles and gene diversities, indicating population genetic diversity, was highest in the Z. marina population that was exposed to repeated environmental disturbances, and lowest in the most undisturbed population. The higher genetic diversity in the disturbed population was associated with a higher contribution of sexual reproduction to population persistence. This suggests that both the level of disturbances and the reproductive strategy for population persistence contributed significantly to population genetic diversity at the study sites. According to the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), 76% genetic variation was attributable to differences among individuals within populations. The observed genetic differentiation (FST = 0.241) among Z. marina populations at the study sites appeared to result from reduced meadow size, increased genetic drift, and a high incidence of asexual reproduction. Increased population genetic diversity can enhance resistance and resilience to environmental disturbances; thus, this investigation of seagrass population genetics provides valuable new insights for the conservation, management, and restoration of seagrass habitats.  相似文献   

14.
The population dynamics and life cycle of Idotea balthica basteri (Pallas, 1772) were studied at the Menzel Jemil (lagoon of Bizerte, Tunisia) based on monthly samples taken from October 2009 to September 2011. The presence of juveniles and gravid females throughout the sampling period showed that this species exhibits continuous reproduction. Sexual differentiation occurs in approximately 43–59 days. Females took 88–160 days (3–5.5 months) to reach sexual maturation, and males took 102 days (3.5 months). The fecundity and fertility values exhibited a great variation in the number of eggs and embryos or mancae inside the marsupium which was correlated with the length of the gravid females. The sex ratio underwent fluctuations throughout the sampling period but was always in favour of females. Size frequency distributions were analysed recognizing 24 cohorts during the sampling period. Six cohorts were identified in October 2009 and 18 cohorts in November 2009–September 2011. Among these latter cohorts, nine were tracked till they disappeared. The minimum average size of new cohorts ranged from 1.92 ± 0.31 to 2.97 ± 0.26 mm and the maximum values ranged from 12.83 ± 0.96 to 19.23 ± 0.56 mm. Life span was estimated at 10–14 months. I. balthica basteri, in the lagoon of Bizerte, is a semi‐annual species with iteroparous females, and a bivoltine life cycle that produces two generations per year.  相似文献   

15.
We analysed several life history traits of the marine isopod Idotea balthica basteri (Pallas, 1772) from the Bizerte lagoon, Southern Mediterranean Sea. Growth was continuous throughout the life of the animal with a high growth rate in the first life phase, and the growth curve was described according to von Bertalanffy's model. The lowest growth rate (0.23 mm) was recorded in winter (December, January and February) and the maximum rate (2.31 mm) between April and June. The total number of hatched eggs or embryos was positively correlated with the body length of ovigerous females. This population of I. balthica basteri was iteroparous, showing distinct strategies of reproduction. Large ovigerous females with high fecundity were collected during the whole sampling period, while breeding in smaller females with low fecundity was restricted to the period from late spring to early autumn, Manca size increased significantly with increasing female body size and there was also a significant trade‐off between manca size and the number of eggs per brood. Reproductive allocation, ranging between 17.1 ± 1.2% in winter and 23.2 ± 1.8% in summer, was positively correlated with female weight. Accordingly, parental investment in producing a juvenile varied between 1.02% per manca in winter to 3.38% in spring. Evaluated traits show that late summer and autumn cohorts have a K‐strategy, whereas cohorts born in winter and spring, and which exhibit a shorter life time, exhibit faster development, earlier reproduction and a smaller parental investment tending towards an r‐selected strategy.  相似文献   

16.
The internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of 29 individuals of Cerastoderma glaucum (from the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic and the North Sea) and 18 individuals of Cerastoderma edule (from the Atlantic and the North Sea) and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) region of 43 individuals of C. glaucum (from the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic and the North Sea) and 9 individuals of C. edule (from the Atlantic and the North Sea) were PCR amplified and sequenced. The ITS1 sequences led us to describe 27 genetic haplotypes, while 21 genetic haplotypes were determined via the COI sequences. The ITS1 and the COI sequences revealed an important genetic variability within the Mediterranean population of C. glaucum, which contained two different phenotypes: orange foot and yellow foot. A genetic differentiation between the two phenotypes was revealed by the nucleotide diversity index (π) and is strengthened by the AMOVA analysis. This result leads us to suspect the presence of two different groups in the same population of C. glaucum. Nevertheless to be confirmed this hypothesis requires further studies using more locations and a larger number of sample sizes.  相似文献   

17.
The present study focuses on the reproductive success of transplants of the bath sponge Spongia officinalis Linnaeus, 1759, with the aim of investigating the possibility of restocking this species, one of the most endangered organisms of the Mediterranean sessile zoobenthos. Transplants of S. officinalis, collected from a wild population along the Apulian coasts (Ionian Sea, Italy), have been moved into an area where the species was present in the past. The transplants consisted both of specimens in toto and of fragments of different sizes, obtained after having cut the mother sponge into pieces. All transplanted sponges showed complete cicatrisation of the cut surfaces within a month of the initial manipulation and had a survival rate of 100% throughout the 12 months of the study. From the present investigation, it has emerged that the reproductive effort and the larval release by the transplants do not differ significantly from those shown by the source population. This successful technical approach supports its application as a strategy for restocking the population of this endangered species.  相似文献   

18.
This study investigates the size, age and growth of Corallium rubrum which is a key species of the only large reef-like structure in the Mediterranean Sea, the coralligéne. Two populations were studied in the Ligurian Sea at a depth between 36 and 42 m. Basal diameter, colony height and numbers of branches of 230 colonies were measured, and age and growth rates were assessed from 25 colonies. Mean growth rate was 0.2 mm yr−1 of basal diameter growth, corresponding to a mean annual total branch length increase of 5 mm. These results point to a coral growth much slower than assumed in many earlier studies. Additionally, age and size at first reproduction were analysed. Male colonies were shown to become sexually mature at a minimum age of six years (1.2 mm of basal diameter), while female colonies reached maturity when at least 10 years old (2 mm of basal diameter). We further discuss the implications of slow growth and early sexual maturity for red coral management and conservation.  相似文献   

19.
Temporal variability and population structure of planktonic ostracods were investigated for the first time in the South Adriatic Sea during 1996. The maximal total ostracod abundance (1167 ind·100 m−3; 69% juveniles, 18% females and 13% males) was recorded in February. Thirteen species of marine planktonic ostracods were identified. Porroecia spinirostris and Archiconchoecia striata dominated the ostracod assemblage, accounting respectively for 62% and 18% of the total abundance. Their annual peaks were recorded during the cold season, which was the period of their intense reproduction, with favourable temperature conditions and lack of predators. The females surpassed the males in abundance in most species. The presence of the mesopelagic species indicated a strong influence of intermediate layer water masses from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.  相似文献   

20.
Species of the genus Ophryotrocha are a well‐studied group of organisms but, despite the relatively large body of biological studies, little is known about their intra‐specific patterns of genetic diversity. In the present study, we analysed the patterns of genetic variation in samples of Ophryotrocha labronica (Polychaeta, Dorvilleidae) collected along the Italian coasts within three regions with different thermal regimes: the Northern Adriatic Sea (NAS), the Ligurian Sea (LS), and the South/Southeast Sicilian Sea (SS). A partial sequence of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was used as a genetic marker. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed significant genetic differentiation between the NAS and the other regions. Conversely, little or no genetic structuring was found between the LS and the SS or amongst locations within a given region. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree and a median‐joining network provided evidence for the occurrence of two highly divergent genetic lineages characterized by a high average sequence divergence (17.2%, Kimura two‐parameter distance). The spatial patterns of genetic variation found in O. labronica may reflect the signature of past expansion events of the two genetic lineages. Although the high sequence divergence suggested that cryptic speciation within O. labronica may have occurred, other traits such as the absence of reproductive isolation, pattern of phenotypic variation and habitat specificity prompted us to regard the two groups as distinct COI lineages of O. labronica.  相似文献   

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