Effects of pH on asexual reproduction and statolith formation of the scyphozoan, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aurelia labiata</Emphasis> |
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Authors: | Amanda K Winans Jennifer E Purcell |
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Institution: | (1) Biology Department, Western Washington University, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA;(2) Shannon Point Marine Center, Western Washington University, 1900 Shannon Point Rd, Anacortes, WA 98221, USA;(3) Coastal and Marine Resources Centre, University College Cork, Naval Base, Haulbowline Island, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland |
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Abstract: | Although anthropogenic influences such as global warming, overfishing, and eutrophication may contribute to jellyfish blooms,
little is known about the effects of ocean acidification on jellyfish. Most medusae form statoliths of calcium sulfate hemihydrate
that are components of their balance organs (statocysts). This study was designed to test the effects of pH (7.9, within the
average current range, 7.5, expected by 2100, and 7.2, expected by 2300) combined with two temperatures (9 and 15°C) on asexual
reproduction and statolith formation of the moon jellyfish, Aurelia labiata. Polyp survival was 100% after 122 d in seawater in all six temperature and pH combinations. Because few polyps at 9°C strobilated,
and temperature effects on budding were consistent with published results, we did not analyze data from those three treatments
further. At 15°C, there were no significant effects of pH on the numbers of ephyrae or buds produced per polyp or on the numbers
of statoliths per statocyst; however, statolith size was significantly smaller in ephyrae released from polyps reared at low
pH. Our results indicate that A. labiata polyps are quite tolerant of low pH, surviving and reproducing asexually even at the lowest tested pH; however, the effects
of small statoliths on ephyra fitness are unknown. Future research on the behavior of ephyrae with small statoliths would
further our understanding of how ocean acidification may affect jellyfish survival in nature. |
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