The effect of photoperiod
and temperature on the reproduction of European sea urchin Paracentrotus
lividus
M. Shpigel, S.C. McBride, S. Marciano, I.
Lupatsch-2004
Aquaculture, 232(1-4): 343-355
Abstract:
The effects of water temperature and light regimes on
gonadal development in the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus were
evaluated in two 12-week periods, one in spring–summer and one in
winter–spring. Four different combinations of photoperiod and temperature
regimes (18–26 °C) were tested in each. Sea urchins were fed a prepared
diet. Food intake, growth, gonadosomatic index, biochemical composition and
gametogenetic stages were measured. Results show that water temperatures
between 18 and 22 °C enhance growth and gonadal development. Long days
(illumination) reduce the rates of gametogenesis while short days increase
reproductive development.
(National Center for Mariculture, Israel
Oceanographic and Limnological Research, P.O. Box 1212, Eilat 88112, Israel,
e-mail: shpigelm@agri.huji.ac.il)