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Seasonal reproduction in the seastar Dytaster grandis from 4000 m in the north-east Atlantic Ocean

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

P. A. Tyler ,
D. S. M. Billett  and
J. D. Gage
P. A. Tyler
Affiliation:
Department of Oceanography, The University, Southampton, SO9 5NH
D. S. M. Billett
Affiliation:
Institute of Oceanographic Sciences, Wormley, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 5UB
J. D. Gage
Affiliation:
Scottish Marine Biological Association, Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, PO Box 3, Oban, Argyll, PA34 4AD
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Abstract

Examination of the reproductive biology of the abyssal seastar Dytaster grandis taken at different times of the year in the NE Atlantic suggests seasonal reproduction that is related to the seasonal pulse of phytodetritus to the deep-sea floor. Although this seastar is an omnivore, the availability of this labile organic material may fuel vitellogenesis during the summer and autumn months. The egg size suggests planktotrophic larval development. Spawning occurs in the early part of each year to allow the zygote to develop into a feeding larva to coincide with the downward flux of phytodetritus. Thus the flux of detritus may constitute an environmental forcing pressure at least at two points in the life history of D. grandis.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 70 , Issue 1 , February 1990 , pp. 173 - 180
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1990

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