We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Reproduction, energy storage and metabolic requirements in a mesophotic population of the gorgonian Paramuricea macrospina.
- Authors
Grinyó, Jordi; Viladrich, Núria; Díaz, David; Muñoz, Anabel; Mallol, Sandra; Salazar, Janire; Castillo, Raquel; Gili, Josep-Maria; Gori, Andrea
- Abstract
This study examined the sexual reproductive cycle, energy storage and metabolic requirements of a Mediterranean gorgonian in a mesophotic ecosystem (~70 m depth). Paramuricea macrospina resulted to be a gonochoric internal brooding species with a 1:1 population sex ratio. Oogenesis lasted ~12–14 months, whereas spermatogenesis was significantly shorter, only lasting 6 months. Fertilization occurred during late summer (August) and larval release occurred during autumn (September–October). The organic matter and total lipid content showed a slight seasonal variability. Stable isotopic composition remained constant throughout the year, reflecting a general stability in gorgonian food sources. Conversely, the free fatty acid composition varied seasonally, reflecting changes in P. macrospina energetic demands probably related to gametogenesis and larval brooding. The reproductive ecology and biochemical composition of P. macrospina significantly differ from shallow coastal gorgonian species, reflecting the higher environmental stability of deeper environments.
- Subjects
MEDITERRANEAN Region; ALCYONACEA; CORAL reef ecology; ENERGY storage; MENSTRUAL cycle; POPULATION biology
- Publication
PLoS ONE, 2018, Vol 13, Issue 9, p1
- ISSN
1932-6203
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0203308