Reproduction and development of the polychaete Stauronereis rudolphi,including a summary of development in the superfamily Eunicea

The life history of the dorvilleid polychaete Stauronereis rudolphi (Delle Chiaje) was studied through the F₂ generation under laboratory conditions. The species released its gametes into the water where fertilization occurred. The pelagic larvae swam for one week before settling. Segments were added successively and sexual maturity was reached in one year of laboratory culture. Spawned adults recovered and began feeding a few days after spawning. The culture techniques and foods used to rear developing eggs, larvae, juveniles, and adults were described. Comparisons were made with other developmental studies in the superfamily Eunicea.This study was a portion of a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Biology, California State College at Long Beach. It was in part supported by research grant WP-00531-02 from the National Institute of Health, U. S. Public Health Service, under supervision of Dr. Donald J. Reish. Contribution No. 1 of the Ira C. Darling Center for Research, Teaching and Service, University of Maine, Maine 04573, U.S.A.