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

Authors

  • José Carlos Hernández Universidad de La Laguna. Departamento de Biología Animal, U.D.I. Ciencias Marinas. Facultad de Biología. La Laguna. Tenerife
  • Alberto Brito Universidad de La Laguna. Departamento de Biología Animal, U.D.I. Ciencias Marinas. Facultad de Biología. La Laguna. Tenerife
  • Nayra García Universidad de La Laguna. Departamento de Biología Animal, U.D.I. Ciencias Marinas. Facultad de Biología. La Laguna. Tenerife
  • María Candelaria Gil-Rodríguez Universidad de La Laguna. Departamento de Biología Vegetal, U.D.I. Botánica. Facultad de Farmacia. La Laguna. Tenerife
  • Guacimara Herrera Universidad de La Laguna. Departamento de Biología Vegetal, U.D.I. Botánica. Facultad de Farmacia. La Laguna. Tenerife
  • Alejandro Cruz-Reyes Universidad de La Laguna. Departamento de Biología Vegetal, U.D.I. Botánica. Facultad de Farmacia. La Laguna. Tenerife
  • Jesús M. Falcón Universidad de La Laguna. Departamento de Biología Animal, U.D.I. Ciencias Marinas. Facultd de Biología. La Laguna. Tenerife

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.2006.70n4689

Keywords:

algal cover, Canary Islands, Diadema antillarum, gonad periodicity, gut content, locality influencestinal, influencia de la localidad

Abstract


Diadema antillarum Philippi occurs in high density populations in the Canary Islands, creating extensive barren areas. During one year we determined 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 species richness than Abades. The sea urchin population at Abades had a higher density and smaller urchins than Boca Cangrejo. Boca Cangrejo sea urchins showed higher specific richness in gut contents than Abades urchins. The sea urchin population at Abades did not have a clearer reproductive periodicity or higher gonad index than the Boca Cangrejo population. Temporal and spatial changes in gonad periodicity of Diadema antillarum are attributed, at least in part, to benthic food availability (algal cover and algal species number) and intra-specific competition.

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References

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Published

2006-12-30

How to Cite

1.
Hernández JC, Brito A, García N, Gil-Rodríguez MC, Herrera G, Cruz-Reyes A, Falcón JM. Spatial and seasonal variation of the gonad index of Diadema antillarum (Echinodermata:Echinoidea) in the Canary Islands. Sci. mar. [Internet]. 2006Dec.30 [cited 2024Mar.19];70(4):689-98. Available from: https://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/article/view/75

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