BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Lacuna vincta

Researched by

Angus Jackson

Data supplied by

MarLIN

Refereed by

Dr John Grahame

Reproduction/Life History

Reproductive type

Gonochoristic

Developmental mechanism

Planktotrophic

Reproductive Season

All year

Reproductive Location

Insufficient information

Reproductive frequency

Annual protracted

Regeneration potential

Life span

<1 year

Age at reproductive maturity

<1 year

Generation time

<1 year

Fecundity

1,000-1,500 eggs per spawn

Egg/propagule size

Ca 100 µm

Fertilization type

Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential	>10km	Larval settlement period	Peak May/June or September: See additional info.
Duration of larval stage	1-6 months

Reproduction Preferences Additional Information

In the field the species survives for a year or less. Survival rates are very low. Only 2-5 percent of the population will reach maturity. An estimate of the number of eggs per female per season is 53,500. Each spawn mass contains 1,000 - 1,500 eggs. The egg mass has a definite ring doughnut shape and the colour of the mass varies with diet. Individual egg size is around 100 microns. Development inside the egg takes 2.5 to 3.5 weeks. Spawning occurs throughout the year but there is a distinct peak. In southern Britain this peak is in winter resulting in main larval settlement in late May / early June. Further north settlement peaks in September. Cold temperatures may delay oviposition. Settlement is probably induced by organic properties of substrata beneficial to the adult rather than the presence of or exudate from other individuals of the species.

Reproduction References

Martel & Chia, 1991a, Grahame, 1994, Fretter & Graham, 1994, Fretter & Manly, 1977, Smith, 1973,