PRODUCTION OF NEREIS-DIVERSICOLOR OF MULLER (POLYCHAETA) IN A SHALLOW BRACKISH-WATER POND

A Nereis diversicolor population inhabiting a shallow and landlocked brackis-hwater pond in Belgium has been studied over one year to estimate its production. This population reproduces from May to December with a peak in August. Total numbers vary between 5000 and 17000 individuals/m2, the total standing stock lies between 13 and 39 g dry weight per m2, with a mean of 24 g dry wt m-2. Individuals grow linearly over long periods of time, although slower when they get larger. Production was calculated by determining the weight-specific growth-rate of the different size-classes in the population; production in the year 1975-1976 was equal to 61 g dry wt m-2 year-1. The P B-ratio was equal to 2·5. This value is compared with the value for other Polychaeta and is intermediate. © 1979.