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Species Description:
Carinoma tremaphoros is a translucent Nemertean worm.
Anteriorly, it is a creamy white color, while posteriorly, it tends towards tan.
In actively burrowing specimens, the head is conical. There are no eyes or
other sensory structures on the head, and the mouth is located ventrally, behind
the brain. The tail of this species is broad and flattened.
II. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION
IRL Distribution:
C. tremaphoros is distributed throughout the Indian River Lagoon
III. LIFE HISTORY AND POPULATION BIOLOGY
Age, Size, Lifespan:
Maturation age of adult Carinoma tremaphoros,
typically 4 cm in length (1.6 inches), is probably 6 mos.
Abundance:
Adult Carinoma tremaphoros is
considered common in the Indian River Lagoon, FL.
Reproduction:
Carinoma tremaphoros displays a
gonochoristic mode of sexuality, with external outcross fertilization. It likely
has one reproductive cycle per year, which lasts approximately 2 months.
Embryology:
Probable time for egg development in Carinoma tremaphoros
is 2 days, while the larval period lasts several weeks.
IV. PHYSICAL TOLERANCES
V. COMMUNITY ECOLOGY
Trophic Mode:
Larval stages of Carinoma tremaphoros
are probably planktivorous. The adult trophic mode is carnivory and
detritivory.
Habitat:
Larval stage of Carinoma tremaphoros
is planktonic. The adult burrows into upper 10 cm of fine sand and mud
substrata. Epidermal muscles in Carinoma
tremaphoros allow effective burrowing in this species without segmentation
(Turbeville and Ruppert 1983).
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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