Mick's Marine Life: Nereis species

Nereis species Linnaeus, 1758

Ragworm species - soort Zager

Epitoke*: not identified

*Epitoky is a process that occurs in many species of polychaete marine worms wherein a sexually immature worm (the atoke) is modified or transformed into a sexually mature worm (the epitoke). Epitokes are pelagic morphs capable of sexual reproduction.Unlike the immature form, which is typically benthic (lives on the bottom), epitokes are specialized for swimming as well as reproducing. The primary benefit to epitoky is increased chances of finding other members of the same species for reproduction. (Wikipedia)

't Koepeltje, Grevelingenmeer, the Netherlands, 24-6-2019. In vitro photo: specimen A, L: 25 mm and specimen B, L: 30 mm, 25-6-2019.

't Koepeltje, Grevelingenmeer, the Netherlands, 24-6-2019. In vitro photo specimen A, L: 25 mm with a single egg, 25-6-2019.

't Koepeltje, Grevelingenmeer, the Netherlands, 24-6-2019. In vitro photo specimen B, L: 30 mm, 25-6-2019.

Dreischor - Kokrif, Grevelingenmeer, the Netherlands, 10-6-2020. In vitro photo specimen C, L: 32 mm, 12-6-2020.

Dreischor - Kokrif, Grevelingenmeer, the Netherlands, 10-6-2020. In vitro photo specimen C, L: 32 mm, 13-6-2020.

't Koepeltje, Grevelingenmeer, the Netherlands, 24-6-2019. In vitro photo eggs, 25-6-2019.

't Koepeltje, Grevelingenmeer, the Netherlands, 24-6-2019. In vitro photo eggs, 27-6-2019.

't Koepeltje, Grevelingenmeer, the Netherlands, 24-6-2019.

Dreischor - Kokrif, Grevelingenmeer, the Netherlands, 10-6-2020. Captured by Metridium senile (Plumose anemone - Zeeanjelier).

27 August 2023

Nereis species - epitoke