BIOTIC Species Information for Ensis spp.
Click here to view the MarLIN Key Information Review for Ensis spp.
Researched byLizzie Tyler Data supplied byUniversity of Sheffield
Refereed byThis information is not refereed.
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive type Developmental mechanismPlanktotrophic
Reproductive Season Reproductive Location
Reproductive frequency Regeneration potential No
Life span11-20 years Age at reproductive maturity3-5 years
Generation time Fecundity>1 million
Egg/propagule size70 mm diameter Fertilization typeExternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential Larval settlement period
Duration of larval stage30 days   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationEnsis is a highly diverse genus in terms of life-history traits. Ensis macha is thought to produce 14.7 - 19.6 million eggs over it's lifetime. Ensis ensis reaches sexual maturity at 3-4 years, while Ensis siliqua takes only 1 year.
Reproduction References Hayward et al., 1996, Fish & Fish, 1996, Henderson & Richardson, 1994, Armonies & Reise, 1999, Avellanal et al., 2002, Gaspar & Monteiro, 1998, Fahy & Gaffney, 2001, Newell & Newell, 1977, Palmer, 2004,
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