Adaptation of Beroe ovata to Caspian Sea Waters and predict its entry

In 2001 and 2004, Beroe ovata were transferred from Turkey to Caspian Sea Ecology Research Center (CSERC ( Iran, where was adapted to the Caspian Sea water (CSw) for reproduction experiments. Acclimation of Black Sea B. ovata to CSw was done gradually step by step. In 2001, Beroe eggs did not hatch well and their growth rate was rather slow. In experiment 2004, B. ovata fed Mnemiopsis leidyi and grew, their length increased from 2.817 to 4.035 cm. B. ovata reproduced and large number of eggs and larvae were obtained. The eggs were represented by different stages and active larvae were observed. The results of this and previous studies showed that B.ovata is able to feed grow and reproduce in the Caspian Sea. Therefore, it was predicted that B.ovata would arrive in the Caspian Sea from the Black Sea with ballast water of ships and established.

Keywords:

Adaptation , Beroe ovata , Mnemiopsis leidyi , Reproduction , larvae , Caspian Sea