SEASONAL GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION OF AN INTERTIDAL SPONGE,HALICLONA PERMOLLIS(BOWERBANK)

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Abstract
Somatic growth, gametogenesis, growth of oocytes and larval development of H. permollis were followed for 4 yr in a population on the central Oregon coast [USA]. Methods are described for estimating the instantaneous tissue temperature of intertidal sponges, calculating annual egg and embryo production and measuring somatic growth rates. Laboratory observations on gamete formation at constant temperatures of 4.degree., 7.degree., 9.5.degree. and 13.degree. C, were carried out for 77 days. Initiation of oogenesis during early March is best related to increases in incident light while spermatogenesis has a better correlation with increases in tissue temperature. A maximum rate of oogenesis of .apprx. 1.5 eggs/mm3 per day per female occurred near the first 2 wk of March. The rate of embryo formation can be as high as 0.52 embryos/mm3 per day per female, but the timing of the maximum and the rate itself are related to particulate food supply in the late spring. Somatic growth rates are minimal from Dec. to April and reach a maximum of 1%/day in the fall. Temperature appears to have a secondary role in reproductive behavior but may influence sexual expression. Intrinsic and environmental factors which initiate gametogenesis, control sexual differentiation, and influence the rates of gamete production are discussed.

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