The amphipod Corophium multisetosum (Corophiidae) in Ria de Aveiro (NW Portugal). I. Life history and aspects of reproductive biology

Abstract

The population of Corophium multisetosum Stock, 1952 in Areao displayed a semiannual, iteroparous life history. Mean longevity was similar to6 mo, with the estimated life span longer for overwintering individuals born in autumn than for individuals born in spring. Length-frequency data indicated that the length increment per moult is probably higher in males than females; however females moulted more frequently and achieved a larger body size. Preliminary growth rates were 100 mum d(-1) for juveniles and 19 to 29 mum d(-1) for mature females, with the lower values occurring during the winter. It was estimated that under favourable conditions females may attain reproductive size and mature within 1 mo. Although incubating females were present all year round, recruitment occurred in spring, almost ceased during the summer, peaked in autumn, and decreased again during the winter. Extreme temperatures and very low salinities during winter and summer may have deterred breeding, while moderate temperatures (15 to 20 degreesC) and salinities >1 psu in spring and autumn were apparently favourable for reproduction. The unfavourable summer conditions constrained breeding and synchronised the timing of reproduction. In late-autumn and during the winter, as temperature decreased and brooding time increased, synchrony was progressively lost. Brood size varied as a function of embryonic developmental stage, size of incubating females, and season. The life-history pattern and reproductive features of C. multisetosum in Areao are closely related to temperature and salinity; other environmental conditions such as oxygen content of the water and food availability may also be relevant.