BIOTIC Species Information for Fucus spiralis
Researched byNicola White Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byDr Graham Scott
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeVegetative
Permanent hermaphrodite
Developmental mechanismInsufficient information
Reproductive SeasonJuly to August Reproductive Location
Reproductive frequencyAnnual episodic Regeneration potential No
Life span3-5 years Age at reproductive maturity1-2 years
Generation time3-5 years FecundityInsufficient information
Egg/propagule sizeInsufficient information Fertilization typeInsufficient information
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialInsufficient information Larval settlement periodInsufficient information
Duration of larval stageInsufficient information   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationFucus spiralis is hermaphroditic. Receptacles are initiated during late January to February, gametes discharged during July and August, and the receptacles shed by November, although exact timing of reproduction depends on location and the form of the plant. Young plants usually reach a length of 8 to 10 cm or more before they form receptacles. Reproduction usually begins before or during the second years growth. Vegetative recruitment occurs by the formation of new fronds from existing holdfasts. This form of reproduction is important in existing stands of the population, whereas recruitment by eggs is more important in disturbed areas or in areas where germlings are protected e.g. rock crevices.
Reproduction References Niemeck & Mathieson, 1976, Robertson, 1985, Scott et al., 2000, Vernet & Harper, 1980,
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