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Population structure and production of Lumbrineris fragilis (Polychaeta: Lumbrineridae) in the Oslofjord (Norway) with a note on metal content of jaws

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Abstract

Population structure and production in Lumbrineris fragilis (O. F. Müller) based on samples collected from April 1981 to June 1983 were investigated. Based on the number of growth lines on the mandibles, the population of L. fragilis at Bjørnehode Bay in the Oslofjord could be divided into ten size classes, with the first six size classes being most commonly represented. There were strong indications that the dark bands in the mandibles were formed during winter and the light bands during summer. Neither seasonal changes in temperature nor gametogenesis were likely causes of dark band formation. A possible cause could be a reduction in feeding intensity during winter either due to changes in quantity or quality of available food. Production was calculated to be 1.32 g AFDW (ash-free dry weight) m-2 year-1 and the P/B ratio was 0.826. Chemical analysis of the mandibles showed that, in L. fragilis, calcium was present in highest concentrations while smaller quantities of copper, zinc, iron, phosphorous and sulphur were also recorded.

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  1. Department of Marine Biology, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.B. 1064, N-0316, Oslo 3, Norway

    V. A. Valderhaug

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  1. V. A. Valderhaug
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Communicated by T. Fenchel, Aarhus

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Valderhaug, V.A. Population structure and production of Lumbrineris fragilis (Polychaeta: Lumbrineridae) in the Oslofjord (Norway) with a note on metal content of jaws. Mar. Biol. 86, 203–211 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00399028

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