Barthel, Dagmar (1992) Population dynamics of the sponge Halichondria panicea (Pallas) in Kiel Bight. In: Marine eutrophication and population dynamics : 25th European Marine Biology Symposium, 10th - 15th september 1990, Ferrara. , ed. by Colombo, Guiseppe. Olsen & Olsen, Fredensborg, pp. 203-209. ISBN 87-85215-19-8

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Abstract

This study compiles results obtained during the years 1984-1989 from a number of field experiments and studies concerning substrate specificity, biomass, population development, growth rates, life cycle and reproduction of Halichondria panicea (Pallas) in Kiel Bight. Data on biomass development of H. panicea during
the year show a general increase in biomass from spring to summer and a subsequent decrease during the fall; biomasses and growth rates are higher in shallower water depths, while abundance increases with depth between 6 and 12 m. Sexual reproduction takes place during a short period in early summer by means of larvae. While salinity does not influence reproductive processes, temperature is very important. Low water temperatures in winter and early spring can delay the release of larvae for about one month. Data on the relationship between the sponges and their substrate algae show how differences and changes in the depth distribution and population dynamics of the sessile fauna on red algae can only be interpreted correctly by including data on fauna! growth rates, time and mode of reproduction, as well as biomass, distribution and dynamics of the substrate algae. The merits of different sampling strategies for the acquisition of different kinds of biological information in this biotope are discussed.

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