Marenzelleria viridis (Verrill, 1873) (Polychaeta: Spionidae), an Invader in the Benthic Community in Baltic Coastal Inlets - Investigation of Reproduction (original) (raw)

Marenzelleria viridis (Verrill, 1873) (Polychaeta: Spionidae), an Invader in the Benthic Community in Baltic Coastal Inlets - Investigation of Reproduction

The reproductive biology of Marenzelleria viridis (Verrill, 1873) from the Darss-Zingst Bodden Chain (south coast of the Baltic) has been investigated from October 1991 to March 1993. In 1992, gametogenesis started in mid-May. The reproductive system is limited to the central region of the body. The gonads (one pair/segment) developed on the peritoneum near the metanephrides and lie ventrolaterally in the front part of each epitokal segment. All worms reached maturation simultaneously in 1992. The sex ratio was 1:1. Spawning occured in mid-September in 1992. Larval development was entirely pelagic. At the 3-4 setiger stage the final yolk granules had disappeared and the larvae became planktotroph. Larval growth was interrupted at the 3-setiger stage below 5‰. After 4 weeks the larvae reached the 16-19 setiger stage and started to metamorphose.