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Population dynamics, allometric relationships and reproductive status of Microcosmus sabatieri (Tunicata: Ascidiacea) in the Aegean Sea

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 July 2008

Dimitris Vafidis ,
Chryssanthi Antoniadou  and
Chariton Chintiroglou
Dimitris Vafidis*
Affiliation:
University of Thessaly, School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, Nea Ionia, Magnesia, Greece
Chryssanthi Antoniadou
Affiliation:
Aristotle University, School of Biology, Department of Zoology, Thessaloniki, Greece
Chariton Chintiroglou
Affiliation:
Aristotle University, School of Biology, Department of Zoology, Thessaloniki, Greece
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Dimitris VafidisUniversity of Thessaly School of Agricultural SciencesDepartment of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment Nea Ionia, Magnesia, Greece email: dvafidis@uth.gr
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Abstract

The Mediterranean ascidian Microcosmus sabatieri is among the conspicuous benthic invertebrates, forming dense populations on moderately inclined cliffs. It is an edible species, commercially harvested at the southern part of the Aegean Sea. Considering that the biology of this species has not been adequately studied, a three-year survey was carried out focusing on population structure, allometric relationships and reproductive status of M. sabatieri stocks in Astypalea Island (Dodecanese, south Aegean). Population density showed insignificant temporal variation and lower values at the steeper station, while the pattern of dispersion was random. All measured biometric characters showed high plasticity, especially those related to siphons. All the examined morphometric relationships follow negative allometry. Ascidian length was a good predictor of biomass, and a strong relation was observed between mantle and tunic characters. Gonad somatic index showed a single spawning season per year, in winter. Length–frequency distribution analysis revealed the presence of one mode of medium sized individuals, implying that M. sabatieri stocks are under moderate fishing pressure in the study area.

Keywords

population dynamicsallometric relationshipsreproductive statusMicrocosmus sabatieriAegean Sea
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 88 , Issue 5 , August 2008 , pp. 1043 - 1051
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2008

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