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Species Description:
Amphiporus ochraceous is a tan or yellowish ribbon worm which attains an adult size
of approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch). It is similar to A. cruentatus,
but lacks the prominent red blood vessels of that species. The head region of A. ochraceous
has 2 rows of eyespots, with the largest eyes in the first row. Species of
this genus have a dorsal transverse groove behind the eyes, with 2 ventral
grooves behind the first pair of eyes.
Potentially Misidentified Species:
Can be confused with A. cruentatus, the
blood nemertean, a similar but larger species that reaches 10 cm (4 inches) in
length as an adult.
II. HABITAT AND
DISTRIBUTION
IRL Distribution:
A. ochraceous is distributed
throughout the Indian River Lagoon.
III. LIFE HISTORY AND POPULATION
BIOLOGY
Age, Size, Lifespan:
Typical adult size of Amphiporus
ochraceous is 20 - 40 mm. Maturation in this species probably occurs at 6
mos.
Abundance:
Adults of Amphiporus
ochraceous are considered common in the Indian River Lagoon.
Reproduction:
Amphiporus ochraceous
is a gonochoristic species with external outcross fertilization. Duration of
reproductive seasonality is probably 2 months, with one reproductive event per
year.
IV. PHYSICAL TOLERANCES
V. COMMUNITY ECOLOGY
Trophic Mode:
Larvae of Amphiporus
ochraceous are lecithotrophic, while predatory adults consume crustaceans.
Habitat:
Members of this genus prefer fouling communities, like those on floating docks,
and habitats under rocks on sandy and gravel substrata from the intertidal zone to approximately
130 m in depth.
VI. SPECIAL STATUS
Special Status:
None
Notes on Endemism:
Probably Native
Economic Importance:
None
Report by: J. Dineen,
Smithsonian Marine Station
with thanks to L. Newman
Submit additional information, photos or comments to:
irl_webmaster@si.edu
Page last updated: July 25, 2001
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