Spatial and seasonal variation of the gonad index of Diadema antillarum (Echinodermata:Echinoidea) in the Canary Islands

Scientia Marina

José Carlos Hernández¹  Alberto Brito¹  Nayra García¹  Jesús M. Falcón²  María Candelaria Gil-Rodríguez³  Guacimara Herrera³  Alejandro Cruz-Reyes³ 

[1] Universidad de La Laguna. Departamento de Biología Animal, U.D.I. Ciencias Marinas. Facultad de Biología. La Laguna. Tenerife;Universidad de La Laguna. Departamento de Biología Animal, U.D.I. Ciencias Marinas. Facultd de Biología. La Laguna. Tenerife;Universidad de La Laguna. Departamento de Biología Vegetal, U.D.I. Botánica. Facultad de Farmacia. La Laguna. Tenerife;

关键词: algal cover;    canary islands;    diadema antillarum;    gonad periodicity;    gut content;    locality influencestinal;    influencia de la localidad;   

DOI  :  10.3989/scimar.2006.70n4689

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Diadema antillarum Philippi occurs in high density populationsin the Canary Islands, creating extensive barren areas. During one year wedetermined seasonal changes in the algal abundance and population densities,test diameter, gut contents and gonad index of sea urchins in two localities(Abades and Boca Cangrejo). Boca Cangrejo shows higher algae cover and speciesrichness than Abades. The sea urchin population at Abades had a higher densityand smaller urchins than Boca Cangrejo. Boca Cangrejo sea urchins showedhigher specific richness in gut contents than Abades urchins. The sea urchinpopulation at Abades did not have a clearer reproductive periodicity or highergonad index than the Boca Cangrejo population. Temporal and spatial changesin gonad periodicity of Diadema antillarum are attributed, at leastin part, to benthic food availability (algal cover and algal species number)and intra-specific competition.

【 授权许可】

Unknown