Shift in Sabella spallanzanii (Polychaeta, Sabellidae) spawning period in the Central Mediterranean Sea: a consequence of climate change?

Abstract

Sabella spallanzanii is a large tubicolous filter feeder polychaete common in the Mediterranean fouling assemblages, where it plays an important role in structuring the community. Its reproductive biology is well known and had has been investigated since 1993. During the past few years, a shift in its reproductive period has been observed. In 2008 the presence of ripe eggs in the females was observed at least two months in advance compared to the past. This was confirmed during the 2009 when spawning and fertilization were observed three months in advance compared to the past. Possible causes of this shift may be related to the increasing surface temperature in the Central Mediterranean Sea.

Growth and population dynamics of the non‐indigenous species Branchiomma luctuosum Grube (Annelida, Sabellidae) in the Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea)

“…water warming) (Giangrande et al . ). The larval life of S. spallanzanii is longer than that of B. luctuosum (up to 15 days in the first species and only 3 days in the second one) and its population dynamics are easier to follow because of the massive recruitment occurring after spawning.…”

“…Generally, in March it was possible to observe the presence of a great number of juveniles (Giangrande et al . ).…”

“…The life strategy of B. luctuosum seems to be more efficient than that of S. spallanzanii ; indeed, in this latter species recruitment was observed to vary from year to year (Giangrande et al . ), and in some years it can also fail so that species has to wait until the following year to recover. By contrast, the faster growth of B. luctuosum coupled with a more prolonged spawning period, could be a winning strategy for S. spallanzanii .…”

Reproductive strategy and gamete development of an invasive fanworm, Sabella spallanzanii (Polychaeta: Sabellidae), a field study in Gulf St Vincent, South Australia

“…Previous studies investigating S . spallanzanii reproduction have been done in its native Ionian Sea, Italy [ 47 , 48 ], and in Port Phillip Bay, Australia, where it is invasive [ 49 ]. These studies found that S .…”