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II. HABITAT AND
DISTRIBUTION
IRL Distribution:
B. delineatus is distributed
throughout the Indian River Lagoon
III. LIFE HISTORY AND POPULATION BIOLOGY
Age, Size, Lifespan:
Maturation age and longevity are
not known for Baseodiscus delineatus. Typical and maximum adult size for males
and females of this species are 80 mm and 200 mm respectively.
Abundance:
Baseodiscus delineatus is
considered to be abundant.
Reproduction:
Baseodiscus delineatus is
gonochoristic with external outcross fertilization.
Embryology:
Egg and the pilidium larva of
Baseodiscus delineatus are planktonic.
IV. PHYSICAL TOLERANCES
Temperature:
Baseodiscus delineatus is eurythermal.
Those B. lineatus
occurring
at Jim Island near Fort Pierce Inlet in the Indian River Lagoon,
tolerate summer water temperatures in excess of 30 °C, and winter water
temperatures which often dip below 17 °C for short periods of time.
Salinity:
B. lineatus is a euryhaline species. In the
Indian River Lagoon, salinity may approach near-freshwater conditions at times during rainy summer
months; while in winter, conditions may remain near pure
seawater.
V. COMMUNITY ECOLOGY
Trophic Mode:
Trophic mode of the larva of
Baseodiscus delineatus is not known, but both the juvenile and adult stages are
carnivorous, probably preying on annelids
Habitat:
Baseodiscus delineatus is
epibenthic, occurring in gravel, cobble, and shell of oyster reefs and marina
pilings in the intertidal zone. A closely related species, B. edlineatus
is known to withstand moderate
wave exposure.
VI. SPECIAL STATUS:
Special Status:
None
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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