BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Echinocardium cordatum

Researched by

Lizzie Tyler

Data supplied by

University of Sheffield

Refereed by

This information is not refereed.

Reproduction/Life History

Gonochoristic

Planktotrophic

Reproductive Season

Spring and summer

Reproductive Location

Water column

Annual episodic

Life span

11-20 years

Age at reproductive maturity

Generation time

Insufficient information

Fecundity

1000000

Egg/propagule size

Fertilization type

External

Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential	Insufficient information	Larval settlement period	Insufficient information
Duration of larval stage

Reproduction Preferences Additional Information

Life span: Observation of populations of Echinocardium cordatum over a period of 7 years suggests the species has a life span greater than 10 years (Buchanan, 1966; Hayward et al., 1996). However, in the Mediterranean Guillou (1985) suggests the life span is one or two years.
Age at maturity: On the north-east coast of England a littoral population bred for the first time when three years old. In the warmer waters of the west of Scotland breeding has been recorded at the end of the second year (Fish & Fish, 1996). However, it has been observed that subtidal populations appear never to reach sexual maturity (Buchanan, 1967).
Recruitment: Often sporadic, with reports of Echinocardium cordatum recruiting in only 3 years over a 10 year period (Buchanan, 1966) although this relates to subtidal populations. Intertidal individuals reproduce more frequently.
The sexes are separate and fertilization external, with the development of a pelagic larva (Fish & Fish, 1996). The fact that Echinocardium cordatum is to be found associated with several different bottom communities would indicate that the larvae are not highly selective and discriminatory and it is probable that the degree of discrimination in 'larval choice' becomes diminished with the age of the larvae (Buchanan, 1966). Metamorphosis of larvae takes place within 39 days after fertilization (Kashenko, 1994).

Reproduction References