Biometry, size structure and reproductive cycle of the sanded sea cucumbers Holothuria poli (Echinodermata, Holothuriidae) from the west Algerian coast. Issue 1 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mezali, Karim; Lebouazda, Zineb; Slimane-Tamacha, Farah; Lila Soualili, Dina
• Is Part Of: Invertebrate reproduction & development. Volume 66:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 67
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Holothurians -- reproduction -- gonadal tubules -- gonadal index -- Algerian basin; Invertebrates -- Reproduction -- Periodicals; Invertebrates -- Development -- Periodicals; 571.812
• DOI: 10.1080/07924259.2022.2033331
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0792-4259

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim of this work is to study the biometric and reproductive characteristics of a population of Holothuria poli from the west Algerian coast. The study was carried out on 256 individuals (33.25 ± 12.38 g wet weight and 196.44 ± 37.81 mm relaxed length) collected from Oran Bay between October 2016 and September 2017. All individuals showed negative allometric growth (b = 1.586) and the population had a sex ratio of 1: 1 (male: female). Sexual maturity occurred at a relaxed length of 137 mm and at gutted body weight of 18 g. Macroscopic examination of the gonadal tubules revealed four sexual maturity stages (growth, maturity, spawning and post-spawning) and a reproductive pattern characterized by a single summer spawning period and autumnal sexual rest. The obtained data may constitute a database for the management of natural stocks of this sea cucumber species in Algerian waters.