New biomarkers of post-settlement growth in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus.

ABSTRACT: Some sea urchins, including the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, have been successfully used in aquaculture, but their slow growth and late reproduction are challenging to overcome when developing efficient aquaculture production techniques. S. purpuratus develops via an indirect life history that is characterized by a drastic settlement process at the end of a larval period that lasts for several weeks. During this transition, the bilateral larva is transformed into a pentaradial juvenile, which will start feeding and growing in the benthic habitat. Due to predation and other ecological factors, settlement is typically associated with high mortality rates in juvenile populations. Additionally, juveniles require several days to develop a functional mouth and d

SUBMITTER: Fadl AEA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5635345 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature