Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK

Table of Contents - 2008 - Volume 88, Issue 05  

Research Article

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

Dimitris Vafidisa1 c1, Chryssanthi Antoniadoua2 and Chariton Chintirogloua2

a1 University of Thessaly, School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, Nea Ionia, Magnesia, Greece

a2 Aristotle University, School of Biology, Department of Zoology, Thessaloniki, Greece

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.

(Received November 09 2007)

(Accepted March 11 2008)

Keywords

Correspondence:

c1 Correspondence should be addressed to: Dimitris Vafidis University of Thessaly School of Agricultural Sciences Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment Nea Ionia, Magnesia, Greece email: dvafidis@uth.gr