Skip to main content
Article
Benthic ctenophore (Order Platyctenida) reproduction, recruitment, and seasonality in south Florida
Invertebrate Biology
  • Peter W. Glynn, University of Miami, RSMAS
  • Brian Coffman, University of Miami, RSMAS
  • Karim Primov, University of Miami, RSMAS
  • Dorothy-Ellen A. Renegar, Nova Southeastern University
  • Julie Gross, University of Miami, RSMAS
  • Patricia Blackwelder, Nova Southeastern University; University of Miami, RSMAS
  • Nicholas Martinez, University of Miami, RSMAS
  • Joshua H. Dominguez, University of Miami, RSMAS
  • Jeongran Vanderwoude, University of Miami, RSMAS
  • Bernhard Riegl, Nova Southeastern University
ORCID
0000-0003-1330-1278; 0000-0002-6003-9324
ResearcherID
F-8807-2011
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-23-2019
Keywords
  • Asexual fragmentation,
  • Coeloplana,
  • Cydippid spawning,
  • Ovoviviparity,
  • Vallicula
Abstract

Reproductive structures, modes, and seasonal patterns of size–class abundances are examined in two benthic platyctene (Family Coeloplanidae) ctenophore species present in dissimilar shallow marine environments in subtropical southeast Florida. Coeloplana waltoni, a minute (1–3 mm body length) epizoic associate of octocorals, occurs in exposed environments often under turbulent conditions, and Vallicula multiformis (2–10 mm) commonly occurs epiphytically on macroalgae in protected, calm‐water environments. Reproductive activity in C. waltoni is most active during the warm‐water summer season (June–October); gonadal development in V. multiformis occurs year‐round, and is most pronounced during sea‐warming periods in late spring (May) and late summer to early autumn (August–October), with release of cydippid larvae. Both species are hermaphroditic brooders, exhibiting paedogenesis (early gonadal development) at body lengths approximately one‐third (Coeloplana) to one‐sixth (Vallicula) of maximum adult size. Juvenile individuals (<0.6 mm) increased in abundance in C. waltoni during the summer reproductive period, and large (≥1 mm) pink‐colored individuals comprised 50% or more of samples from July through September. Seasonal abundance of gravid individuals and the timing of cydippid larval release in V. multiformis did not correspond closely with juvenile or adult population densities. Asexual fragmentation occurred in both ctenophore species, but was observed more frequently in individuals of V. multiformis. This asexual mode of reproduction probably accounted in part for the discordance between ctenophore abundances and larval recruitment events by sexual means. Morphological structures and behaviors associated with reproduction are described in this study. Uncommon images of reproductive products (gametes, embryos, larvae), spawning events, brooding, and asexual fragmentation are included, some for the first time in the published literature.

DOI
10.1111/ivb.12256
Comments

© 2019, The American Microscopical Society, Inc.

Citation Information
Peter W. Glynn, Brian Coffman, Karim Primov, Dorothy-Ellen A. Renegar, et al.. "Benthic ctenophore (Order Platyctenida) reproduction, recruitment, and seasonality in south Florida" Invertebrate Biology (2019) p. e12256 ISSN: 1077-8306
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/bernhard-riegl/214/