The growth, reproduction and body color pattern of Cleantiella isopus (Isopoda: Valvifera) in Hakodate Bay, Japan

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We studied the growth, reproduction and body color pattern of the marine isopod Cleantiella isopus in Hakodate Bay, Japan from May 2009 to July 2010. Individuals were collected every month and the sex, body length, color pattern, number of eggs per clutch and developmental stage of embryos for ovigerous females were recorded. Five body color patterns were identified in C. isopus at Hakodate Bay, and their composition was maintained throughout the year. Breeding females (guarded by a male or carrying eggs) were observed in the field from February to August. Newly recruited individuals were first observed in July and grew to mature size by the next breeding season, indicating a lifespan of 13-15 months. Precopulatory mate guarding in which a male holds a female using his pereopods was observed. There was no correlation between body lengths of guarding males and guarded females. The female reproductive cycle was synchronous, and two defined reproductive events were detected during the breeding periods, indicating that females bred twice or more during a lifetime.
2012-12-00