Biochemical content, energy composition and reproductive effort in the broadcasting sea star Asterias vulgaris over the spawning period

2007 ◽  
Vol 341 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-François Raymond ◽  
John H. Himmelman ◽  
Helga E. Guderley
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Effort ◽  
Sea Star ◽  
Spawning Period ◽  
Asterias Vulgaris

Reproductive biology of the holothurian Holothuria forskali (Echinodermata)

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 745-758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ambo Tuwo ◽  
Chantal Conand
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Reproductive Cycle ◽  
Reproductive Effort ◽  
Rest Period ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Oocyte Size ◽  
Spawning Period ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Very High

The aspidochirote Holothuria forskali is a large common species found in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Its reproductive cycle has been determined in a population from Brittany using histological observations of the different classes of gonadal tubules, oocyte size frequencies and evolution of gonad indices. The cycle is annual and synchronous in both sexes. The different phases are well marked and are characterized by a long maturation during summer and autumn followed by a pre-spawning period during winter. Spawning is probably related to the increase in temperature. Most of the mature gametes are released. The resorption of the relict and spent tubules continues during the onset of the next vitellogenesis in the secondary tubules, without a rest period. The reproductive effort, documented from the gonad indices, is very high in this population which is composed of adult individuals.

Role of current and prey odour in the displacement behaviour of the sea star Asterias vulgaris

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (10) ◽  
pp. 1547-1553 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Drolet ◽  
John H Himmelman
Keyword(s):  
North Atlantic ◽  
North Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Sea Star ◽  
Sea Stars ◽  
Essential Condition ◽  
Asterias Vulgaris ◽  
Degree Of Orientation ◽  
Slow Moving ◽  
Odour Plumes

We performed a factorial experiment to investigate the effects of current and prey odours (mussels) on the displacement behaviour of the sea star Asterias vulgaris (Verrill, 1866). This sea star is a common subtidal predator of sessile and slow-moving animals in the western North Atlantic Ocean. In the presence of current and prey odours in a flume, sea stars oriented themselves upstream and 70% succeeded in finding the prey. Also, the degree of orientation toward the prey increased as the sea star approached the prey. In contrast, only 5% of individuals tested in still water found the prey. Thus, for A. vulgaris the presence of macroscale flow is an essential condition for locating distant prey. Sea stars tested in current alone showed rheotactic behaviour, moving diagonally upstream. This behaviour should enhance the probability of encountering prey odour plumes in the field. Sea stars moved faster and straighter in flowing water than in still water. The slow movement of A. vulgaris in still water probably minimizes costs of foraging when there is a low chance of finding prey and the straight diagonal movement in current should ensure that the sea star continuously samples new areas, rather than resampling the same odour-free area.

Androgen metabolism in somatic and germinal tissues of the sea star Asterias vulgaris

1992 ◽  
Vol 102 (3) ◽  
pp. 521-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gene A. Hines ◽  
Stephen A. Watts ◽  
Charles W. Walker ◽  
Peter A. Voogt
Keyword(s):  
Sea Star ◽  
Androgen Metabolism ◽  
Asterias Vulgaris

Sex steroid levels in the testes, ovaries, and pyloric caeca during gametogenesis in the sea star Asterias vulgaris

1992 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 451-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gene A. Hines ◽  
Stephen A. Watts ◽  
Stacia A. Sower ◽  
Charles W. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Sex Steroid ◽  
Sea Star ◽  
Pyloric Caeca ◽  
Asterias Vulgaris
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