Reproduction
provided by Natural History Museum Species of the day
Most marine free-living nematodes have what is known as a 'conservative' reproductive strategy. They generally produce 10-100 eggs and deposit them in the sediment where they develop directly. However, the relatively short lifespan of most species means that populations can still react relatively quickly to changes in habitat and food supply.Male and female nematodes have to mate together in order to breed. The male fertilises the female using a special organ comprising 2 spicules. The shape of the male spicules can be highly species specific and are of great use in identifying individual species.
Dispersal
Most marine free-living nematodes are unable to disperse directly over any great distance, and none have a planktonic larval stage. However, nematodes can be washed into the water column and dispersed passively. Some have been seen to be able to 'swim' for short periods of time, delaying their settlement.
