The larval development of Pholoe minuta (Polychaeta: Sigalionidae) in Galway Bay, Ireland

Abstract

Natural spawning of laboratory-held populations of Pholoe minuta occurred in synchrony with wild populations in Galway Bay. Larval development is described up to an age of 14 days using light and scanning electron microscopy. A pelagic planktotrophic larval phase (4-segment metatrochophores) was observed. Settled 3- and 4-chaetiger stages are described from meiofaunal benthic samples from the study area. A 3-week larval phase is indicated and the current findings are discussed in the light of existing literature on larval development in Pholoe minuta.