TY - JOUR
T1 - Reproduction, energy storage and metabolic requirements in a mesophotic population of the gorgonian Paramuricea macrospina
AU - Grinyó, Jordi
AU - Viladrich, Núria
AU - Díaz, David
AU - Muñoz, Anabel
AU - Mallol, Sandra
AU - Salazar, Janire
AU - Castillo Contreras, Raquel
AU - Gili, Josep-Maria
AU - Gori, Andrea
PY - 2018
Y1 - 2018
N2 - This study examined the sexual reproductive cycle, energy storage and metabolic requirements of a Mediterranean gorgonian in a mesophotic ecosystem (~70 m depth). Paramuricea macrospina resulted to be a gonochoric internal brooding species with a 1:1 population sex ratio. Oogenesis lasted ~12-14 months, whereas spermatogenesis was significantly shorter, only lasting 6 months. Fertilization occurred during late summer (August) and larval release occurred during autumn (September-October). The organic matter and total lipid content showed a slight seasonal variability. Stable isotopic composition remained constant throughout the year, reflecting a general stability in gorgonian food sources. Conversely, the free fatty acid composition varied seasonally, reflecting changes in P. macrospina energetic demands probably related to gametogenesis and larval brooding. The reproductive ecology and biochemical composition of P. macrospina significantly differ from shallow coastal gorgonian species, reflecting the higher environmental stability of deeper environments.
AB - This study examined the sexual reproductive cycle, energy storage and metabolic requirements of a Mediterranean gorgonian in a mesophotic ecosystem (~70 m depth). Paramuricea macrospina resulted to be a gonochoric internal brooding species with a 1:1 population sex ratio. Oogenesis lasted ~12-14 months, whereas spermatogenesis was significantly shorter, only lasting 6 months. Fertilization occurred during late summer (August) and larval release occurred during autumn (September-October). The organic matter and total lipid content showed a slight seasonal variability. Stable isotopic composition remained constant throughout the year, reflecting a general stability in gorgonian food sources. Conversely, the free fatty acid composition varied seasonally, reflecting changes in P. macrospina energetic demands probably related to gametogenesis and larval brooding. The reproductive ecology and biochemical composition of P. macrospina significantly differ from shallow coastal gorgonian species, reflecting the higher environmental stability of deeper environments.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85054072333
U2 - 10.1371/journal.pone.0203308
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0203308
M3 - Article
C2 - 30256802
SN - 1932-6203
VL - 13
JO - PLoS ONE
JF - PLoS ONE
IS - 9
ER -