ALLOMETRY OF FEEDING AND BODY-SIZE IN A POPULATION OF THE SEA-ANEMONEPARANEMONIA-VOULIAGMENIENSIS

This paper discusses a number of biological aspects, concerning a new sea anemone species (Paranemonia vouliagmeniensis Doumenc et al., 1987 ) (Actiniaria: Anthozoa), discovered in Lake Vouliagmeni, near Athens, Greece. The specialized environment of the lake, with elevated and st able temperatures throughout the year, brackish waters and large miner al content presents a very specialized biotope in which Paranemonia vo uliagmeniensis is an important member. Certain aspects of its life cyc le were investigated, especially population structure, feeding habits and life history. The population was found to be made up of two sub-po pulations; one established on algae in deeper parts of the lake, and a n older one living on gravel in shallower habitats. Feeding preference s depended on the anemone's ability to catch prey, combined with the c omposition of the prey. The anemone was also found to be viviparous an d demonstrated r-characteristics in its life history (short lifespan a nd large number of embryos).