Simonini, R. (2002). Distribution and ecology of the genus Ophryotrocha (Polychaeta: Dorvilleidae) in Italian harbours and lagoons. Vie Milieu. 52: 59-65.

147727

Simonini, R.

2002

52: 59-65

Publication

245166

Available for editors   [request]

A series of field studies were conducted from March 1999 to October 2001 to investigate the distribution of the genus Ophryotrocha in Italian harbors and lagoons. In the localities examined to date, six species belonging to the genus Ophryotrocha have been found. In particular, O. japonica has been recorded for the first time along European and Mediterranean coastlines. There are considerable differences in the spatial and temporal distribution of these species. The species most commonly found were O. labronica and O. japonica. O. puerilis seems to be confined to the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian coastlines, while O. hartmanni, O. macrovifera and O. robusta are less widespread than the other species. O. labronica and O. japonica colonize brackish lagoons as well as harbor environments. Its wide distribution and some features of its biological cycle suggest that O. japonica may have been introduced as a result of maritime traffic and/or aquaculture. The consequences of seasonality on population dynamic and the links between environmental instability and life history features in some Ophryotrocha species are discussed.

Mediterranean Sea in general

Polychaeta

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