BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Idotea pelagica

Researched by

Andrew Hosie

Data supplied by

MarLIN

Refereed by

This information is not refereed.

Reproduction/Life History

Reproductive type

Gonochoristic

Developmental mechanism

Direct Development
Brooding

Reproductive Season

See additional information

Reproductive Location

Sediment surface

Reproductive frequency

Annual protracted

Regeneration potential

Yes

Life span

1-2 years

Age at reproductive maturity

<1 year

Generation time

<1 year

Fecundity

10-100

Egg/propagule size

Insufficient information

Fertilization type

Internal

Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential	Insufficient information	Larval settlement period	See additional information
Duration of larval stage	See additional information

Reproduction Preferences Additional Information

Reproductive season

The reproductive season of Idotea pelagica is closely linked to temperature (Leifsson, 1999). Reproductive effort is at its greatest during periods when the sea water temperature is between 5 and 12 °C (Sheader, 1977; Healy & O’Neill, 1984; Leifsson, 1999). While ovigerous females are found all year round in southern Irish coasts, the highest proportion of ovigerous females are found between December and August (Healy & O’Neill, 1984), while on the Northeast coast of England ovigerous females were found only between April and August (Sheader, 1977). Icelandic populations have their reproductive period further reduced to May to July (Leifsson, 1999). In the more southern extent of its range, the reproductive season of Idotea pelagica would be expected to shift further towards winter.

Fecundity

Females brood up to 80 eggs for 6-8 weeks (Leifsson, 1999), as with most isopods there is no larval stage and the juveniles appear as the adults, but with 6 pairs of pereopods not 7. Once the eggs hatch, females may then moult and produce a second brood (Healy & O'Neill, 1984).

Reproduction References

Leifsson, 1999, Healy & O'Neill, 1984, Sheader, 1977,