Reproductive Periodicities of Indo-Pacific Invertebrates in the Gulf of Suez. I. The Echinoids Prionocidaris Baculosa (Lamarck) and Lovenia Elongata (Gray)

Author： Pearse J. S.

Publisher： University of Miami - Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

ISSN： 0007-4977

Source： Bulletin of Marine Science, Vol.19, Iss.2, 1969-04, pp. : 323-350

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Abstract

Cellular changes in the gonads of the echinoids, Prionocidaris baculosa (Cidaroidea) and Lovenia elongata (Spatangoidea), in the Gulf of Suez are followed over a year. Gametogenesis leading to spawning begins in synchrony among individuals of P. baculosa in April, and spawn-out occurs in July and August. Gametogenesis is not as synchronous among individuals of L. elongata; it begins in mid- and late winter, and the prolonged spawning period occurs mainly between April and September. Nutritive phagocytic tissue is prominent in the gonads of both species, its globulation changing over the year, especially in L. elongata. The nutritive phagocytes are involved in gametogenesis by phagocytizing gametogenic cells during part of the year and nourishing them when gametogenesis is leading toward spawning. Fluctuations in photoperiod, salinity, and sea temperature do not seem to be directly related to the synchronization of reproduction, but accumulation of nutrients, perhaps indirectly related to the effects of sea temperature and photoperiod, may have importance in synchronization.