Spawning behaviour ofPulsellum lofotensis(M. Sars) andCadulus subfusiformis(M. Sars) (Scaphopoda, Mollusca)

Abstract

Abstract The spawning behaviour of two scaphopods of the order Gadilida in Norwegian waters, Pulsellum lofotensis and Cadulus subfusiformis, differs from that reported for other scaphopods. Only sperm is expelled through the posterior mantle aperture in P. lofotensis, oo-cytes leave via the anterior opening. In C. subfusiformis both types of gametes exit through the anterior aperture. Eggs are generally laid individually and are not connected to each other by mucus. Cleansing behaviour in regard to egg-laying is described. A correlation between habitats and different ways of spawning in Scaphopoda is discussed.