Reproductive cycle and gonadal output of the Lessepsian jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda in NW Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea).

ABSTRACT: Knowledge of the reproductive strategy is a key prerequisite to predict population dynamics and potential invasiveness of both native and non-indigenous outbreak-forming species. In 2014 the Lessepsian upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda reached the harbor of Palermo (NW Sicily, Thyrrenian Sea), to date its established westernmost outpost in the Mediterranean Sea. To predict C. andromeda reproductive success in its novel habitat, gonad histology was carried out to record the number and size of mature and immature oocytes. Both male and female simultaneously presented gametes at all stages of development suggesting an asynchronous, yet apparently continuous, reproduction strategy. Indeed, oogenesis was observed throughout the year from pre-vitellogenic, vitellogenetic, and late-vitell

SUBMITTER: Mammone M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9928113 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature