Mixed reproductive strategy in Tubifex tubifex (Oligochaeta, Tubificidae)?

Despite the wide use of the tubificid oligochaete Tubifex tubifex in eco-toxicological studies, the reproductive strategy adopted by the species, that can reasonably be assumed to be the key to its ecological success, is still not well investigated. This study reports on breeding experiments analysed by allozyme markers (Pgi, Pgm, and Idh), accompanied by a study of the sperm production in the species, with the aim to: (1) clarify the type of uniparental reproduction adopted by the species, (2) test the hypothesis that uniparental reproduction is reversible, (3) investigate the occurrence of biparental reproduction in laboratory cultures. Studies of parent-offspring comparison at polymorphic allozyme loci showed parthenogenetic reproduction and maintenance of asexuality in the parthenogenetic individuals. A cross-breeding test performed with couples made up of randomly assorted individuals, whose genotype combinations were suitable for discriminating between sexual and asexual reproduction, failed to show biparental reproduction in laboratory cultures: T. tubifex always reproduced parthenogenetically. Unexpectedly, spermiogenetic analysis indicated that both kinds of sperm produced by the species (eusperm and parasperm) were differentiated in individuals raised either in cohort cultures or in isolation (first, second, and third parthenogenetic generations), with a similar pattern of sperm production correlated to the sexual stage. Interestingly, there was no avoidance of mating in any of the collective cultures analysed. Concomitance between parthenogenetic reproduction and a normal male functionality, which is typical of a sexually reproducing species, could be justified by a mixed reproductive strategy or a pseudogamy process occurring in T. tubifex. However, several aspects of the reproductive behaviour of the species deserve further investigation.