BIOTIC Species Information for Ceramium virgatum
Researched byDr Keith Hiscock and Paolo Pizzolla Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byDr Fabio Rindi
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeAlternation of generations
Developmental mechanismSpores (sexual / asexual)
Reproductive SeasonSee additional information Reproductive LocationAs adult
Reproductive frequencyAnnual protracted Regeneration potential No
Life span3-5 years Age at reproductive maturityInsufficient information
Generation timeSee additional information FecundityInsufficient information
Egg/propagule size Fertilization type
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential10-100m Larval settlement period
Duration of larval stageSee additional information   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationEdwards (1973) reports that Ceramium virgatum (as rubrum) has a triphasic life history consisting of a sequence of gametophytic, carposporophytic and tetrasporophytic phases in which the first and the third are morphologically similar. Maggs & Hommersand (1993) report that spermatangia are recorded in January, March-April, June and August-September; cystocarps in January-February and April-September; tetrasporangia in February-September. Although no information on dispersal has been found directly for Ceramium virgatum, Norton (1992) concluded that dispersal potential is highly variable in seaweeds. Spores of Ulva sp. (as Enteromorpha) have been reported to travel 35 km, Phycodrys rubens 5 km and Sargassum muticum up to 1 km. However, the point is made that reach of the furthest propagule and useful dispersal range are not the same thing and recruitment usually occurs on a much more local scale, typically within 10 m of the parent plant.
Reproduction References Maggs & Hommersand, 1993, Norton, 1992, Edwards, 1973,
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