Summary
Identification resources
Size
Ecology
Local distribution and Habitat
Crypsis
Life History & Behaviour
Defensive response
Reproduction
Locomotion
Feeding (Preference)
Anatomy & Physiology
External Morphology
Internal anatomy and physiology
Evolution & Systematics
Phylogenetics
Biogeographic Distribution
Distribution
Conservation & Threats
Threats
References & Links | E. complanata is a heterogamous species, exhibiting both sexual and asexual reproductive techniques, common to the Polychaete superclass.
Sexual reproduction:
The exact sexual reproduction techniques utilised by E. complanata are currently undescribed in the wild, with broadcast spawning exhibited in captive specimens.
Polychaetes exhibit three different reproductive modes (Ruppert et al, 2004);
- Broadcast Spawning
- Copulation
- Internal Fertilisation
Thought to be a hermaphroditic species, the most notable reproductive characteristic is the presence of bioluminescence in females, and possibly in males (Suadicani et al, 1993). During ideal mating conditions the female ascends the surface and displays an impressive bioluminescent show to attract the ideal suitor, who may also invoke luminescent displays in response (Deheyn and Latz, 2009; Suadicani et al, 1993). The isolated protein source of this bioluminescence is currently unknown as is subject to significant scientific analysis for use in biomedical and biomechanical fields.
Larvae:
E. complanata’s worldwide distribution can attributed to its planktotrophic rostraria larvae, in conjunction with its heterogamous reproductive techniques (Barosso et al, 2010). The longevity of this trochophore larva has allowed worldwide distribution to extent that significant research was commenced to further define subspecies based only on genetic divergence (Barosso et al, 2010). This larva arises from early embryonic blastula development, where the endoderm is derived from gastrulation (Barosso et al, 2010; Ruppert et al, 2004). The motile, sensory larva eventually settles on the benthos, commencing the development of the juvenile fireworm.
Asexual reproduction:
Common to the polychaete class, asexual reproduction techniques allow rapid regeneration of fragmented anterior body segments (Ruppert et al, 2004). Breakages, usually associated with predation attempts, are restored by regeneration of the prostomium on the lost posterior segments (Muller et al, 2003). Subject to research involving heavy metal concentration and regenerative potential, E. camplanata’s regenerative potential is well documented (Muller et al, 2003; Orrhage and Muller, 2005). This regeneration process may be described as a two-stage procedure. Firstly, the regenerating stump is innervated by the extension of the ‘old’ nervous cord. New neurons then form around, and attach their fibres, to this ‘old’ nerve cord (Muller et al, 2003). The presence of embryonic neoblast (stem) cells allow rapid regeneration of a prostomium (Muller et al, 2003) |
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