BIOTIC Species Information for Sabellaria alveolata
Researched byAngus Jackson Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byProf. S. J. Hawkins
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
Developmental mechanismPlanktotrophic
Reproductive SeasonJuly Reproductive LocationInsufficient information
Reproductive frequencyAnnual episodic Regeneration potential No
Life span3-5 years Age at reproductive maturity<1 year
Generation timeInsufficient information Fecundity12,000 - 225,000 oocytes per female
Egg/propagule sizeInsufficient information Fertilization typeInsufficient information
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential>10km Larval settlement periodInsufficient information
Duration of larval stage1-6 months   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationMost individuals have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years but there are records for 7 and even 9 year old individuals. Sabellaria alveolata reefs undergo cycles of development and decay over a period of a few years. Although individual reefs come and go - areas that are good for Sabellaria alveolata tend to remain so.

Spawning occurs each July but actual recruitment levels vary considerably from year to year. Larvae spend between 6 weeks and 6 months in the plankton.

Reproduction References Wilson, 1969, Wilson, 1929, Wilson, 1971, Gruet & Lassus, 1983, Gruet, 1985, Holt et al., 1998, Gruet & Lassus, 1983,
About MarLIN | Contact, Enquiries & Feedback | Terms & Conditions | Funding | Glossary | Accessibility | Privacy | Sponsorship

Creative Commons License BIOTIC (Biological Traits Information Catalogue) by MarLIN (Marine Life Information Network) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license are available at http://www.marlin.ac.uk/termsandconditions. Note that images and other media featured on this page are each governed by their own terms and conditions and they may or may not be available for reuse. Based on a work at www.marlin.ac.uk.