Reproduction, energy storage and metabolic requirements in a mesophotic population of the gorgonian Paramuricea macrospina

PLoS One. 2018 Sep 26;13(9):e0203308. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203308. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

This study examined the sexual reproductive cycle, energy storage and metabolic requirements of a Mediterranean gorgonian in a mesophotic ecosystem (~70 m depth). Paramuricea macrospina resulted to be a gonochoric internal brooding species with a 1:1 population sex ratio. Oogenesis lasted ~12-14 months, whereas spermatogenesis was significantly shorter, only lasting 6 months. Fertilization occurred during late summer (August) and larval release occurred during autumn (September-October). The organic matter and total lipid content showed a slight seasonal variability. Stable isotopic composition remained constant throughout the year, reflecting a general stability in gorgonian food sources. Conversely, the free fatty acid composition varied seasonally, reflecting changes in P. macrospina energetic demands probably related to gametogenesis and larval brooding. The reproductive ecology and biochemical composition of P. macrospina significantly differ from shallow coastal gorgonian species, reflecting the higher environmental stability of deeper environments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthozoa / growth & development
  • Anthozoa / physiology*
  • Coral Reefs
  • Ecosystem
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / metabolism
  • Female
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Male
  • Mediterranean Sea
  • Oogenesis
  • Reproduction / physiology
  • Seasons
  • Spain
  • Spermatogenesis

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified

Grants and funding

This work was funded by the European project LIFE+ INDEMARES "Inventario y designación de la red Natura 2000 en áreas marinas del estado español" (LIFE07/NAT/E/000732).