Aspects of the life history of a tide pool population of Amphipholis squamata (Ophiuroidea) from South Devon

Abstract

A tide pool population of the brittle-star Amphipholis squamata in South Devon was monitored from July 1986 to July 1987 with respect to a number of population dynamical attributes. The population had a simple life history. Most individuals recruited into the population in the period June-September, were reproductively active in the following summer and died when 13-17 months old. The population differed from others studied in temperate latitudes in pattern of recruitment, survival and in duration of reproductive activity. We speculate that these differences are a consequence of tide-pool conditions.