Asexual reproduction in the pelagic phase of Clytia mccradyi (Hydrozoa, Leptomedusae) |
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D. Carré, C. Carré, F. Pagès and J.M. Gili |
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A detailed study of the asexual reproduction of Clytia maccradyi has been done with two main objectives: I) to determine the origin and budding modes of the blastostyles, 2) to try to induce gametogenesis in order to obtain, the polyp stage by culturing medusae at different temperatures (13, 18 and 21ºC). Clyria hemisphaerica medusae were cultured at the same temperatures to verify if an increase of temperature could induce the passage of a sexual reproduction to an asexual reproduction. In contrary to previous opinions, we think that especimens asexually produced does not differentiate gonads. All the specimens released were asexual medusae reproduced by asexual multiplication. A blastostyle budding zone developed in place of gonads on the normal gonad zones. Neither spermatogonia nor ovogonia were observed at the radial canals of individuals produced asexually. |
Keywords: Asexual reproduction, medusae, life-cycles, Clytia maccradyi, Clytia hemisphaerica. |
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Sci. Mar. 59(2) : 193-202 |
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