Reproduction of the ctenophore, Beroe ovata, in the Caspian Sea water

The experiments with Beroe ovata showed that this ctenophore can survive and reproduce in the Caspian Sea water, though at far lower rate than in the Black Sea; larval growth in the Caspian Sea water was also slower and mortality higher. Maximum fecundity of ۲۲۱۰ and ۲۴۰ eggs recorded in laboratories of Turkey and Iran, respectively. About ۳۴ to ۱۰۰% of eggs in the Caspian Sea water could not develop and hatch. Larvae were at different stages of development, usually with size between ۱.۲ to ۲mm. The highest number of eggs and larvae were obtained in tanks where Beroe individuals were together with Mnemiopsis leidyi. The poor reproduction of B. ovata in the Caspian Sea water could be due to both the acclimation stress to low salinity and possible damage of individuals during the transportation.

Keywords:

Beroe ovata , Reproduction , Caspian Sea , Iran