The effect of food ration on the quality of eggs of Luidia clathrata (Say) (Echinodermata: Asteroidea)

Summary

Luidia clathrata fed a low food ration during the gametogenic period had a decrease in the weight of the body and pyloric caeca although gonads were produced. Individuals fed a high food ration during this period had an increase in the weight of the body and pyloric caeca along with gonad production. The eggs of individuals fed the low food ration were significantly although only slightly larger than those of individuals fed the high food ration. The eggs of the former group had a lower fertilizability (21 versus 100%) and a lower survival (50 versus 80%). This indicates that egg size in Luidia clathrata is not greatly affected by food ration, and that egg size is not a good indicator of egg quality for this species. Life history models must consider the effect of food ration on the quality of eggs.

Keywords:

• Echinoderms
• Food ration
• Eggs
• Larvae