Abstract
The reproductive biology of a sublittoral population of Owenia fusiformis Delle Chiaje was investigated in the Bay of Seine (eastern English Channel) from May 1981 to September 1983 and from February to July 1986. Measurement of oocyte diameter and examination of the developing gametes in samples of coelomic fluid showed an annual reproductive cycle. After a short summer sexual pause, the gonadal development began in the coelom during the autumn and most of the individuals were ripe in spring early. At spawning, which occurred from May to June, most oocytes measured between 90 and 120 μm. O. fusiformis is shown to be a typical polytelic species which breeds yearly during its 4 yr of life. Mean potential fecundity was 70000 oocytes · female −1· yr −1 but oosorption seemed to play a role in the reproductive strategy.
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