THE REPRODUCTION OFHALICLONA LOOSANOFFIAND ITS APPARENT RELATIONSHIP TO WATER TEMPERATURE

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Abstract
1. A general description of the reproductive elements of Haliclona loosanoffi is given. They were found to be very similar to the corresponding elements of other North American haliclonids. 2. Haliclona loosanoffi apparently is gonochoric, and the sex ratio is about 1:1. Abortive small oocytes are found in many male specimens during the latter part of the reproductive period. 3. The reproductive period of Haliclona loosanoffi in the Mystic Estuary, Connecticut is from late May or early June to late July or early August; but specimens with only small oocytes or spermatic cysts may be found until late September. 4. The reproductive period at Mystic, Connecticut is about two months earlier than at Milford, Connecticut and occurs at about the same time of year as the major reproductive period at Hatteras Harbor, North Carolina. Water temperature appears to be a major factor determining the reproductive period. 5. Very small specimens of Haliclona loosanoffi, as well as large ones, have high densities of reproductive elements during the early part of the reproductive period. Therefore it appears that size is not a major factor affecting reproductive activity in this species. 6. The larvae of Haliclona loosanoffi become negatively phototactic before they settle and exhibit a definite perference for settling on the under surface of submerged substrates. This pattern of settlement conforms to the distribution of adult specimens.

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