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Reproductive biology of the intertidal sea cucumber Actinopyga mauritiana in the Solomon Islands

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 August 2001

Christain Ramofafia
Affiliation:
Department of Anatomy and Histology F13, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia International Centre for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM), Coastal Aquaculture Centre, PO Box 438, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Maria Byrne
Affiliation:
Department of Anatomy and Histology F13, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
Stephen Battaglene
Affiliation:
International Centre for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM), Coastal Aquaculture Centre, PO Box 438, Honiara, Solomon Islands University of Tasmania, Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, Taroona, TAS 7053, Australia

Abstract

Over a four year period, gonad index, examination of gonad tubules, and histology were used to study the reproduction in the sea cucumber Actinopyga mauritiana. This species reproduced annually during the warmer months of the year in Solomon Islands. This annual reproductive cycle progressed through five maturity stages: recovery, growing, mature, partly-spawned and spent. The recovery stage (March–May) was marked by initiation of gametogenesis and coincided with decreasing day length. The growing stage (June–September) was characterized by development of gametes through to the mature stage (October–December). Spawning occurred October through December and coincided with increased water temperature and day length. Spent gonads (January–March) contained a few unspawned gametes or completely lacked gametes. Although A. mauritiana had annual reproduction, individuals lacking or having indeterminate gonads were present year-round. Macroscopic examination of gonad tubules after biopsy provides a practical tool for assessing maturity condition of broodstock in the field during the reproductive season.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2001 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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