Reproductive biology and early life history of the hermaphroditic feather star Dorometra sesokonis (Echinodermata: Crinoidea) |
| |
| Authors: | Masami Obuchi Yoshihisa Fujita Yoshikatsu Nakano Tsuyoshi Uehara Tatsuo Motokawa |
| |
| Institution: | (1) Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, W3-42, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro, Tokyo 152-8551, Japan;(2) Rising Star Program, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan;(3) University Education Center, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan;(4) Marine Learning Center, 2-95-101 Miyagi, Chatan, Okinawa 901-0113, Japan;(5) Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, 3422 Sesoko, Motobu, Okinawa 905-0227, Japan;(6) Department of Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan |
| |
| Abstract: | Reproduction and larval/post-larval development of the one of the smallest known comatulid Dorometra sesokonis were studied on the coral reefs of Sesoko-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan. Breeding individuals were found every month from May
2003 to April 2004 indicating continuous reproduction. Individuals possessed both mature ovaries and testes, and were therefore
characterized as simultaneous hermaphrodites. This species was observed to be an external brooder in which the embryos developed
on the surface of parental genital pinnules until the doliolaria larval stage, and subsequently released doliolariae settled
on substrata within 4 days after hatching. Larvae then metamorphosed into the post-larval cystidean stage, which lasted for
more than a month. The reproductive features of this species are unique among crinoids, and, together with juvenile morphological
features observed in adults, can be interpreted as adaptations to their cryptic habitat, which is subject to frequent natural
disturbances. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录！ |
|
