A DENSE POPULATION AND MASS SCALE SPAWNING OF ARENICOLA BRASILIENSIS NONATO, 1958 (CLASS POLYCHAETA: FAMILY: ARENICOLIDA) AT GWADAR, BLAOCHISTAN
Abstract
A dense population of lugworm (Arenicola brasiliensis) was observed on the intertidal area on the sandy shore at Gwadar (Pedi Zur) in December 2025, which is the first record of its occurrence in the Gwadar area. The species was found distributed in a stretch of about 1 km. An analysis of the abundance of the lugworm population was carried out, which revealed a maximum population of 38 lugworms (number of coiled casts)/m2 in the Mid-Tide level. No lugworm was found in the Splash Fringe Level or in the subtidal zone. A maximum of 8 egg masses/m2 in the Mid-Tide Level indicates mass scale spawning of lugworm in the area.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Marine Biology and Ecology Research
Invertebrate Taxonomy and Ecology
Crustacean biology and ecology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology
- Volume
- 23
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 139–144
- Publication date
- 31 January 2026
- Language
- EN