Growth and breeding in cheilostome biofouler, <i>Electra bengalensis</i> Stoliczka in Bombay waters, west coast of India

Abstract

Almost 70 per cent of bryozoan settlement and consequent space occupied are due to <i>E. bengalensis</i> in Bombay coastal waters. This species breeds almost continuously and its recruitment is not affected by seasonal changes in water quality. The species grows very fast and achieves first maturity at a very early age. The number of sexually produced eggs in the species is the highest amongst 8 bryozoan species endemic to Bombay waters. All these features make this bryozoan a successful competitor despite the fact that the zooids produced per unit area of colony are fewer, the elimination of zooids by death is faster and the ability to grow over the other species is poorer.