Gravier-Bonnet, N. (1992). Cloning and dispersal by buoyant autotomised hydranths of a Thecate hydroid (Cnidaria; Hydrozoa). In: J. Bouillon, F. Boero, F. Cicogna, J.M. Gili & R.G. Hughes, eds., Aspects of hydrozoan biology. Scientia Marina. 56 (2-3): 229-236.

24383

Gravier-Bonnet, N.

1992

56 (2-3): 229-236.

Publication

ZELOUNIES estrambordi gen. nov. sp. nov. is a small stoloniferous thecate hydroid disovered in the coral reefs of La Reunion Island (Indian Ocean). In culture it released hydranths that were able to lead a free pelagic life before settling to develope a new benthic colony. The process passes through the following stages; 1) modification and broadening of the base of the hydranth, 2) detachment autotomy of the hydranth, 3) pelagic life, 4) settlement and attachment at the aboral end by epidermal secretions, 5) contraction of the hydranth, 6) expulsion of waste products, 7) disaggregation of oral end of the hydranth including the loss of tentacles and hypostome, 8) development into an adherent spherule, 9) growth of a hydrorhiza, 10) growth of a small hydanth, the first of the new colony. Stages 4 to 10 take about four days. The autotomy of hydranths, an unusual method of asexual reproduction and dispersal in thecate hydroids, is compared to that of athecates where the behavior is more common. Implications concerning the biology and ecology of Z. estrambordi are discussed. Observations on feeding and other behavior are given, including the production of hydrorhizal propagules from fragments of the hydrorhiza of colonies kept in unsuitable conditions.Descriptors: ZELOUNIES ESTRAMBORDI new genus new specie.figs. 1-3.

Gravier- Bonnet- Cloning and dispersal.pdf 

Cycles, Saisonality, Phenology
Ecology

Hydrozoa

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