Ecology of Sepietta oweniana
 
Main Ref. Jereb, P. and C.F.E. Roper (eds.), 2005
Remarks An epipelagic-mesopelagic species, occurring within a wide depth range, from close to the surface (8 m) down to over 1000 m. Common depth range in the North Atlantic is between 50 and 300 m; and between 100-200 and 400 m in the Mediterranean. Prefers soft, muddy substrates, often on shrimp fishing grounds. Never found in brackish waters. Vertical movement of this species is linked to trophic relationships. Feeding occurs primarily from dusk to dawn, with adult animals spending the day buried in the bottom substrate. Feeds mainly on crustaceans, notably on euphausiids, and the decapod Pasiphaea sivado in the northern Tyrrhenian Sea. Undergoes seasonal movements related to reproduction. Spawning most likely continuous throughout the year, with reported peaks in reproductive activity in several different areas. Mating takes place head-to-head, generally in shallow coastal waters. Both viable and unviable eggs are deposited in various solid substrates, preferably on ascidians (Microcosmus). Eggs hatch in about 2 months. Its short lifecycle is range from between 6 to 9 months. Preyed upon by several demersal fish and occasionally by cetaceans. Successfully cultured in aquaria. Abundant in the Mediterranean Sea and represents an important bycatch of many trawl fisheries. Commonly sold on Mediterranean markets, most abundant in summer, and is valued as a delicacy in certain areas such as in southern Sicily (Ref. 1695).

Aquatic zones / Water bodies

Marine - Neritic Marine - Oceanic Brackishwater Freshwater
Marine zones / Brackish and freshwater bodies
  • supra-littoral zone
  • littoral zone
  • sublittoral zone
  • epipelagic
  • mesopelagic
  • epipelagic
  • abyssopelagic
  • hadopelagic
  • estuaries/lagoons/brackish seas
  • mangroves
  • marshes/swamps
  • rivers/streams
  • lakes/ponds
  • caves
  • exclusively in caves
Highighted items on the list are where Sepietta oweniana may be found.

Habitat

Substrate Benthic: mobile; demersal; Pelagic; Soft Bottom: mud;
Substrate Ref. Jereb, P. and C.F.E. Roper (eds.), 2005
Special habitats Other habitats: other invertebrates (See 'Associations'.);
Special habitats Ref. Jereb, P. and C.F.E. Roper (eds.), 2005

Associations

Ref. Jereb, P. and C.F.E. Roper (eds.), 2005
Associations commensalism;
Associated with Microcosmus;
Association remarks With an interesting preference to deposit its eggs on this ascidian.
Parasitism

feeding

Feeding type mainly animals (troph. 2.8 and up)
Feeding type Ref. Jereb, P. and C.F.E. Roper (eds.), 2005
Feeding habit hunting macrofauna (predator)
Feeding habit Ref. Jereb, P. and C.F.E. Roper (eds.), 2005

Trophic Level(s)

Estimation method original sample unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition
From individual food items 3.45 0.52 Trophic level estimated from a number of food items using a randomized resampling routine.
Ref.
(e.g. 9948)
(e.g. cnidaria)
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