K. Riemann-zurneck, How sessile are sea anemones? A review of free-living forms in the actiniaria (Cnidaria : Anthozoa), MAR ECOL-P, 19(4), 1998, pp. 247-261
Citations number
84
Categorie Soggetti
Aquatic Sciences
Journal title
MARINE ECOLOGY-PUBBLICAZIONI DELLA STAZIONE ZOOLOGICA DI NAPOLI I
There is scattered information in the literature that sea anemones are not
always sedentary but instead may temporarily or permanently live loosely at
tached, detached or even pelagically. This is the first attempt to summariz
e and assess these observations and their probable ecological significance
for the life cycles of the respective species. According to current knowled
ge there are no truly pelagic species of sea anemones; thus, the 'Minyadida
e' (sensu CARLGREN, 1949) have to be abolished as a taxonomic group. Instea
d, there are indications that there are phases and stages within the life c
ourse of many anemone species which are liable to lead a free life in respo
nse to abiotic and biotic environmental factors. Juvenile, post-metamorphic
stages seem to be of major significance in these respects and may be subje
cted to long distance dispersal. It is speculated that some of these free-l
iving stages may represent morphologically and/or ecologically different st
ages between larvae and adults. The newly discovered lifestyle of 'straying
predator' is described from sublittoral habitats off South Africa.