BIOTIC Species Information for Serpula vermicularis
Researched byLizzie Tyler Data supplied byUniversity of Sheffield
Refereed byThis information is not refereed.
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
Developmental mechanismPlanktotrophic
Reproductive SeasonSummer months Reproductive LocationInsufficient information
Reproductive frequency Regeneration potential No
Life span3-5 years Age at reproductive maturity1 year
Generation timeInsufficient information Fecundity
Egg/propagule size Fertilization typeInsufficient information
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialInsufficient information Larval settlement periodSee additional text
Duration of larval stage   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationAge at maturity and life span
Orton (1914) observed that ten month old individuals of Serpula vermicularis in the south west of England could successfully reproduce.
Larval settling time
The length of the planktonic stage is unknown but comparison with other serpulid species suggests it may be between six days and two months (Holt et al., 1998).
Spawning season
Spawning seems to occur in the summer. In the Clyde area Elmhirst (1922) observed spawning to occur in June to August and in Plymouth ripe individuals were seen in August and September (Allen, 1915).
Reproduction References Holt et al., 1998, Fish & Fish, 1996, Allen, 1915, Bosence, 1979(b), Orton, 1914, Elmhirst, 1922, Heidi Tillin, unpub data,
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