Long-term demographic and reproductive trends in Ciona intestinalis sp. A.

Ciona intestinalis sp. A ( Tunicata, Ascidiacea) is a marine invertebrate with a widespread distribution and high invasive potential, yet little is known about its ecology. Here, the macrodynamics of demographic and reproductive trends were first determined using archive data covering 2002-2012. Species abundance in the central Tyrrhenian Sea ( Campania, Italy - NW Mediterranean) displayed Poisson distribution across 2002-2008, massive die-off in 2009/2010 and population recovery in 2011/2012. We defined the seasonal ranges of sea surface temperature in which sampling size, animal size and reproductive status reached their highest values. In 2003/2004, self and non-self fertilization appeared to follow reverse trends across the year. The long-term recording run here on Ciona intestinalis sp. A provides novel insights into its population biology and ecology, and represents a valuable tool for sampling management and research planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]