THE BREEDING SEASON OF THE BRACHIOPOD, LINGULA UNGUIS (L.)

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Abstract
Larvae of the brachiopod, Lingula, were studied in plankton samples taken at a depth of 1 foot in waters off the north coast of Singapore Island during the course of 1 year. Larvae of different stages of development appeared in almost every month, suggesting a continuous breeding throughout the year. No relationship between larval abundance and lunar phases was found. The spawning behavior of female specimens of L. unguis was observed in the laboratory. Spawning occurred 5-14 days after collection. The spawning behavior of 1 batch of females collected on July 29, 1952, was followed over the course of 6 months, during which period some individuals were spawning each week. Detailed observations of 5 females revealed that spawning occurred in a series of bursts separated by intervals of rest. The first burst was usually the most intensive and was followed by bursts of lower intensity at irregular intervals over a period of 2-3 months. Spawning occurred both during day and night, showing no relationship to the phases of the moon or tides. Spawning of females occurred in complete isolation from males and when females were reared singly in culture dishes.

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