Reproduction in the Mediterranean endemic gorgonian Spinimuricea klavereni (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Plexauridae)

Abstract

Spinimuricea klavereni is a Mediterranean endemic gorgonian that is rarely encountered, probably because it typically occurs at depths below 50 m. It is exceptionally common in the northern Marmara Sea, with an unusually shallow upper depth limit of ~20 m. The reproductive biology of this species was studied during a one year period off Büyükada, in the northeastern Marmara Sea. Spinimuricea klavereni is a gonochoric broadcast spawner with an almost even sex ratio. Colonies were ~15 cm in height at first reproduction. Gametogenesis was continuous, characterized by high male and female fecundities year‐round. Oocytes and sperm sacs of all developmental stages were found throughout the year, with small‐sized oocytes and sperm sacs dominant throughout the year. The reproduction of S. klavereni did not seem to exhibit any marked seasonal pattern, unlike most other studied Mediterranean octocorals. Modest variation in gamete output was probably related to slight alterations in food availability and temperature. The non‐seasonal reproductive pattern we observed may be related to the low intra‐annual variation in temperature in the Marmara Sea, and the fact that the mesotrophic‐eutrophic level of productivity in the Marmara Sea can support the energetic requirements of continuous gametogenesis in this gorgonian. Whether these patterns are local adaptations or intrinsic characteristics for this Mediterranean endemic species remains to be studied.

First record of the endemic anthozoan Spinimuricea klavereni (Carpine & Grasshoff 1975) (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Plexauridae) in the Adriatic Sea

“…This rare gorgonian species typically inhabits depths below recreational diving (Table 1) and this could be one of the reasons for the lack of knowledge on its distribution and biology in general (TOPÇU & OZTÜRK, 2013, 2016a. Exceptionally shallow and dense populations of Spinimuricea klavereni in Marmara Sea gave the opportunity for the first studies on the growth rate and reproduction of this species (TOPÇU & OZTÜRK, 2016a, 2016b. Furthermore, it seems that this dense population could be a result of the specific oceanographic conditions of the Marmara Sea.…”

“…Recent studies in the Marmara Sea by TOPÇU and OZTÜRK (2016a, 2016b) reported the highest density of S. klavereni (3.1 ind. m -2 ) and highlighted depth range, morphometry, growth rates and reproduction (TOPÇU & OZTÜRK, 2016a, 2016b. Being these the only in-depth studies on the species, it is not strange that OTERO et al, (2017) in the Overview of the conservation status of the Mediterranean Anthozoa classified S. klavereni as Data Deficient.…”

Impact of excessive sedimentation caused by anthropogenic activities on benthic suspension feeders in the Sea of Marmara

“…Four gorgonians encountered in the region all have different life history traits and their recovery patterns might proceed distinctly in space and time. Spinimuricea klavereni , for example, grows relatively fast and has a high reproductive output throughout the year in the Sea of Marmara (Topçu & Öztürk, 2016 a , 2016 b ). The confamilial gorgonian P. clavata is, on the other hand, a long-lived, slow-growing species, with high reproductive output but low recruitment (Coma et al ., 1995; Linares et al ., 2008 b ).…”

The use of in vivo microscopy to image the cnidarian stress response in three octocoral species

“…These octocorals, of course, might provide limited insight into the scleractinian stress response; however, octocorals are a significant component of cnidarian diversity in their own right (McFadden et al. , ; Coelho & Lasker ; Topçu & Öztürk ).…”