Citation: Norton, M.A. & Healy, B. 1984 Marine fauna of county Wexford - 7. Observations on the ecology and reproductive biology of Sphaeroma hookeri Leach (Isopoda). Irish Naturalists' Journal 21: 257-262
Number of Pages: 6
Volume Part: 6
Keywords: Crustacea, Ecology, Fauna, Isopoda, Lagoon, Marine, Reproductive biology, Salinity, Wexford
Abstract: A population of the isopod Sphaeroma hookeri was investigated in Our Lady's Island Lake, Co. Wexford. It is a shallow lagoon about 3 km west of Carnsore Point. It is separated from the sea by a barrier of sand and gravel about 100 m wide at its narrowest point. Sampling was restricted to water depth of approximately 18 cm. A bilge suction pump was used to extract the water from a cylinder pushed into the sediment and a fine mesh (0.5 mm) was used to retain all size groups. Sweeps with a hand net were also made. Life history and ecology of S. hookeri is discussed.