The mystery of Microsetella: Combination of sac- and broadcast-spawning in an Arctic fjord

Abstract

Different life-history stages of the pelagic harpacticoid Microsetella norvegica were sampled in a Greenland fjord, to investigate how this slowly growing species can achieve high abundances at low temperatures. We expected low but continuous reproduction coupled with a low mortality, but observed the opposite: a short reproductive period with high estimated weight-specific egg production and egg mortality, and indication of a life-history strategy combining the advantages of egg carrying with egg production rates independent of temperature. © The Author 2013.