Allometry of feeding and body size in a population of the sea anemone Paranemonia vouliagmeniensis

This paper discusses a number of biological aspects, concerning a new sea anemone species (Paranemonia vouliagmeniensis Doumenc et al., 1987) (Actiniaria: Anthozoa), discovered in Lake Vouliagmeni, near Athens, Greece. The specialized environment of the lake, with elevated and stable temperatures throughout the year, brackish waters and large mineral content presents a very specialized biotope in which Paranemonia vouliagmeniensis is an important member. Certain aspects of its life cycle were investigated, especially population structure, feeding habits and life history. The population was found to be made up of two sub-populations; one established on algae in deeper parts of the lake, and an older one living on gravel in shallower habitats. Feeding preferences depended on the anemone's ability to catch prey, combined with the composition of the prey. The anemone was also found to be viviparous and demonstrated r-characteristics in its life history (short lifespan and large number of embryos).