Reproductional rhythms of the black sea comb-jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi A.Agassiz, 1865: seasonal and daily

In the course of field underwater observations and round-the-clock laboratory experiments, the influence of sunlight on the seasonal and daily dynamics of reproduction of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in the northeastern coast of the Black Sea was studied. The onset of darkness serves as a signal for daily reproduction. Light suppresses reproduction of Mnemiopsis. Light does not play a significant role in the seasonal dynamics of M. leidyi reproduction. The regulation of seasonal changes in the reproductive potential of this ctenophore occurs due to the dynamics of sea water temperature.