![Sample our Bioscience journals, sign in here to start your access, Latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5925/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Bioscience.jpg"})
Abstract
Although mark-recapture techniques traditionally have been used to obtain ecological data, tagging of soft-bodied holothurians has proven difficult, and the degree to which invasive tags may confound the behaviour of holothurians remains unclear. In this study, diurnal patterns of activity were monitored in the commercial sea cucumber Holothuria whitmaei (black teatfish) after marking the tegument superficially with a number measuring 30 × 20 mm (to a depth of ≤2 mm). Rates of activity in marked specimens increased significantly in the initial hours following marking, and remained higher than those of unmarked control animals for up to 3 days following the procedure. These results suggest (a) that behaviour in holothurians may initially be compromised by marking the tegument and (b) that improved measures of activity may be obtained following a suitable recovery period. This is a useful finding given the need for improved knowledge of commercial holothurian biology, including diurnal and seasonal patterns of behaviour.
Acknowledgements
This study was funded by an Australian Research Council linkage grant to Brenton Knott and supported by the additional infrastructure kindly provided by Barry Elliot and Oceanwest Fisheries, Exmouth and Ray Hall, Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation. Brenton Knott generously supplied the laboratory facilities and provided critical discussions and suggestions that greatly improved the final manuscript. GS would also like to acknowledge Hamish Maitland for assistance in the field and Jane Prince for the constructive statistical advice. The manuscript was improved by the suggestions of two anonymous referees. Research was conducted in accordance with Western Australian Government Conservation and Land Management regulations (permits: NE002561, SF003283, SF003678).