Meeting Abstract
Ctenophores are prodigious predators that can capture prey at high levels and are capable of altering the composition of coastal marine communities. Repeated invasions of European waters by both Beroe ovata and Mnemiopsis leidyi have led to substantial alterations in the plankton fauna diversity in these environments. Mnemiopsis and Beroe, like most other ctenophores, are simultaneous hermaphrodites capable of self-fertilization. Previous studies have suggested that Beroe, unlike Mnemiopsis, may have barriers to self-fertilization. In this study, we describe the reproductive behaviors of Mnemiopsis and Beroe by categorizing their spawning cues and egg production. We measure the costs and benefits of self-fertilization vs. out-crossing in Mnemiopsis and investigate potential blocks to self-fertilization in Beroe. Finally, we show evidence suggesting that Mnemiopsis has the ability to store and use conspecific sperm for future spawning events; we explore the implications of this finding using a combination of behavioral and molecular approaches. Understanding the reproductive mechanisms and capacity of these ctenophores is key to understanding their ecology and may be useful in limiting future invasions.
