Quantitative study of the behavior of two broadcast spawners, the sea urchins Strongylocentrotus intermedius and Mesocentrotus nudus, during mass spawning events in situ.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The spatial distribution of spawners and temporal parameters of spawning in motile invertebrates with external fertilization might influence reproductive success. However, to date, data on the prespawning and spawning behaviors of broadcast spawners in the field have been scarce and mostly qualitative. The present study was intended to clarify the behavioral adaptations of two sea urchin species, Strongylocentrotus intermedius and Mesocentrotus nudus, using quantitative analysis of their behavior during mass spawning events under natural conditions.

Methods

We analyzed in situ video recordings of sea urchin behavior obtained during six spawning seasons (2014-2019). The total number of specimens of each sea urchin species and the numbers of spawning m

SUBMITTER: Zhadan PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8034357 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature