Testing for the Effects of Seasonal and Lunar Periodicity on the Reproduction of the Edible Sea Urchin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tripneustes gratilla</Emphasis> (L) in Kenyan Coral Reef Lagoons

The annual and lunar reproductive cycle of the widely distributed edible sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla (L) was examined through measurements of gonad index, histological examination of gametogenesis, and induction of spawning with KCl injections. The population density and morphological characteristics of urchins at Diani, Kanamai, and Vipingo reef lagoons were also studied as well as the effects of seawater temperature and light on reproduction. Gonad growth started early during the northeast monsoon and reached a peak in June at the beginning of the southeast monsoon followed by a sharp decrease in gonad size of 50% in July and August towards the end of the southeast monsoons. Histological examination of gonads, revealed many different stages of gametogenesis with gametes present throughout the year, indicating continuous reproduction. There was a significant relationship between gonad index and lunar day with spawning occurring between lunar day 7 and 21, but spawning was not in perfect synchrony in the population. The population density of urchins at each reef is variable from year to year and was highest on average at Vipingo. Urchins at Kanamai had the lowest gonad indices, the largest jaws and smallest individuals an indication of food limitation. The gonads (roe) of T. gratilla at all three sites, were perpetually ‘runny’ an attribute that is not suitable for urchin fisheries. Studies to develop techniques to improve roe quality are recommended.     

Age determination in the sea urchin paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck), with notes on the reproductive cycle

Evidence from other species of sea urchins indicated that the growth rings found in the skeletal plates of Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck) were probably formed annually, and could therefore be used as a means of determining age. In this species, annual formation of the rings has been proved by the similarity of growth curves derived from ring counts and size-frequency analyses; there is a good agreement between the annual increments predicted from these growth curves and those observed in experimental populations. Determinations of the cycles of ring deposition and reproduction gave results which were consistent with this interpretation.Similarities in the growth curves did not always extend to the mean values determined for each ring-class and the equivalent size-frequency groups, and the size-frequency distributions of single ring-classes were found to be much wider than those of the equivalent groups determined by sizefrequency analysis. This is attributed to a wide variation in the season of ring deposition in different individuals, and this limits the accuracy of ring count ageing to about ± one year.There were no significant differences between the reproductive cycles of male and female urchins; the gonad indices rose to peak values in late winter and late summer. Gonad condition was very variable within each population sample. The animals grew to a mean diameter of 35–50 mm in about four years, after which growth rates slowed down, and it is probable that most of the urchins died of senescence after 6–9 years.     

Reproductive ecology of the intertidal sea anemones Anthopleura xanthogrammica (Brandt) and A. elegantissima (Brandt): Body size,habitat, and sexual reproduction

Anthopleura xanthogrammica (Brandt) and A. elegantissima (Brandt) were collected monthly (1974–1976) from a variety of intertidal habitats in Washington State. Histological preparations were used to examine oocyte maturation, testis maturation, gonad number, and gonad volume. Maturation was examined over two years and both species were found to build gonad during the winter, spring, and summer followed by spawning in the late summer and autumn. Gonad volume and gonad number increase with individual size after a certain minimum size has been reached. Gonad volume as a function of body size does not change with habitat although the size structure of the population may change substantially.     

Long-Term Changes in the Gonad Condition of the Sea Urchin Strongylocentrotus intermediusfrom Alekseev Bight (Amurskii Bay) under Polluted Conditions

The gonad condition of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermediuscollected in August 1997 at two stations in Peter the Great Bay was examined. One of the stations was located in a polluted area (Alekseev Bight, Popov Island) and the other, in a relatively clean area (the Verkhovskii Islands). The results were compared with analogous data for 1984, 1985, and 1989. In 1997, the gonad condition of sea urchins inhabiting the two areas differed significantly. The mean value of the gonad index (GI) for sea urchins from Alekseev Bight was less than half and the maturity index was about twice that of sea urchins from the Verkhovskii Islands. The GI of sea urchins from Alekseev Bight decreased by a factor of 1.5 between 1984 and 1997. Pronounced histopathological changes were found in sea urchin gonads at this station: granular and hydropic dystrophy of oocytes, resorption and a sharp decrease in the number of gametes (in about 20% of the sea urchins, hardly any gametes were found in the gonads), changes in the morphology of accessory cells (hypertrophy, atrophy, and necrosis), and accumulation of lipofuscin in the cytoplasm of accessory cells and oocytes, in the hemal sinuses and mesentery. The suppressed gonad condition of the sea urchin S. intermediusin Alekseev Bight may be a consequence of the unfavorable environmental situation that formed in the bight in the 1980s–1990s. The main negative factor is anthropogenic pollution of Amurskii Bay.     

Seasonal changes in subarctic sea urchin populations from different habitats

This paper documents seasonal variation in certain sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus polyacanthus) characteristics in habitats of varying environmental conditions. At Shemya Island, Alaska, three habitat types [dense kelp beds, intermediate kelp beds, and algal barrens (low to no foliose algal cover)] were monitored seasonally from September 1995 to August 1996, for live and drift foliose algae. In general, drift algal abundance was greater in areas with more attached kelp, but this varied with season. Along with drift algae, sea urchin density, test size diameter, gonad and nutrition indices, and mobility were seasonally sampled within each habitat. Densities were highest in the algal barrens and lowest in the kelp beds. Seasonally, densities varied between summer/fall, and winter/spring, with lower numbers in the winter/spring. Test size was largest in the kelp habitats when compared to the intermediate or barren sites. Test size was seasonally consistent in the kelp habitats but not in the intermediate or barren sites. Here, test size did vary depending on season (larger urchins were found in winter). The gonad index showed much seasonal variation at the kelp and intermediate kelp sites, but was relatively more stable over time in the barren habitats. Between habitats, gonad and nutrition indices were larger in areas with kelp. Urchin movement varied seasonally between habitats, with more overall movement and variation in barren habitats. These results illustrate the importance of small-scale temporal and spatial variation. Monitoring for 1 year demonstrated that certain parameters varied more in areas of higher foliose algal cover (gonad indices), while other parameters varied more in low kelp areas (test size and movement). These results suggest that studies involving urchins should consider both time of year and overall algal community composition when conducting any type of experimental or monitoring work.     

Reproductive cycles in oregon populations of the echlnoid, Strongylocentrotvs purpuratus (Stimpson). I. Annual gonad growth and ovarian gametogenic cycles

Four annual reproductive cycles were followed in the echinoid, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (Stimpson), at three places on the central Oregon coast near 44°45′N lat., where intermittent upwelling depresses coastal sea temperatures from June through September. Monthly measurements were made of the gonad index of samples of 30 urchins and the relative frequency of five stages in oogenesis were determined from sectioned ovaries from these samples.Individuals in these populations are synchronous in their annual cycle of gonad growth, oogenesis, and spawning, the latter taking place between late December and March. The population usually undergoes one major, complete spawning within a period of 30 days. When large reserves of stored nutrients are present, ova continue to mature over a longer period and may be present in quantity from December into April. Gonad weight does not change significantly from March through June. From July through November the gonad undergoes its annual growth at a mean instantaneous relative growth rate of ≈ 1 % per day. Gonad growth is not significantly correlated with sea temperature. Variable temperatures resulting from upwelling do not result in erratic fluctuations in the reproductive cycle, probably because of the annual change in feeding rate, the seasonal shift in energy utilization, and the constancy of the amount of food assimilated during gonad growth. Gonad size and annual growth rates may differ significantly between years and locations, indicating that both are influenced by local environmental factors, probably food availability and degree of wave action.The frequency of oogonial clusters is least in mid-winter, increases after spawning, reaches an annual maximum in June and declines in the fall. Primary oocyte growth is very slow until October, when it increases abruptly, and some oocytes become ova as early as late October. When stored nutrients are low, many oocytes do not complete growth by January, and are not spawned until May. Prolongation of the spawning period delays the increase in frequency of oogonial clusters in the following new cycle. The timing of the annual increase in oogonial cluster frequency and of the onset of rapid oocyte growth did not otherwise vary between places and years. In these populations, entrainment or synchronization of the reproductive cycle to seasonal environmental events probably occurs at the beginning of one or all of these critical annual events: oogonial proliferation, annual gonad growth and rapid oocyte growth.     

The relationship of gonad and egg size to weight and age in the European and Chinese races of the common carp Cyprinus carpio L.

Gonad development was studied in young carp of the European and Chinese (big-belly) races. The effects of age and body weight on gonad and egg size were partitioned and the following findings were made: (i) Gonad weight was correlated, in both males and females, with body weight, but proportional gonad weight, i.e. the ratio gonad weight divided by body weight, was independent of body weight, (ii) Proportional gonad weight had reached its maximum value in one year old males, but it more than doubled in two year old females, (iii) Egg size of two year old females was more than twice the size of eggs of one year old females, (iv) The European and Chinese races of carp differed in several aspects of gonad development. In particular, the Chinese matured earlier and their relative gonad sizes were considerably larger, (v) Genetic variation in gonad development was also found within the European race, where faster rate of development is dominant over slower rate. The evolutionary implications of the above differences were discussed.     

Polyfluorochrome marking slows growth only during the marking month in the green sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis

Abstract. Used singly, the fluorochrome tags tetracycline and calcein have yielded important insights into sea urchin biology, especially regarding growth. We present a new method of tagging using sequential fluorochrome markers, as well as a more precise method of quantifying growth. Such polyfluorochromes enable repeated markings that allow measurement of multiple growth points and unique identification of individuals or groups. We marked sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis , with four fluorochromes: alizarin complexone, calcein, calcein blue, and tetracycline. All fluorochromes marked both by injection and immersion. We examined the clarity of the mark produced with low, metabolically scaled doses, and higher doses similar to those that have been previously used. We tested the effect of fluorochromes on survival, growth, jaw size, and gonad size by marking a size range (3.9–44.3 mm in diameter) of urchins with either one or all four fluorochromes. We quantified growth using a nominal diameter, that is a fitted constant, times the cube root of weight, which increased the precision of measurements by a factor of six relative to measured diameter. Growth rate was a decreasing function of diameter except for a growth lag in the smallest urchins. Growth rate data for all sizes were fitted using: gamma distributions; Tanaka functions; and, for larger sizes, straight lines (von Bertalanffy model). All treatments produced clear marks, with higher doses producing more reliably clear marks. Tetracycline marking did not affect growth; other treatments produced only transient slowing of growth in the marking month. Growth rate, survival, gonad production, and jaw weight did not differ between control and treatments during the following 6 months. Thus, polyfluorochromes produce reliable marks that do not significantly affect growth or gonad production.     

The effect of feeding or starvation on resource allocation to body components during the reproductive cycle of the sea urchin Sphaerechinus granularis (Lamarck)

To determine the effects of feeding or starvation on resource allocation to body components during the reproductive cycle of Sphaerechinus granularis, sea urchins were placed in laboratory tanks and either fed ad libitum or starved during two different periods of their biological cycle, i.e. the mature stage and the recovery stage. The urchin growth was monitored over the whole experimental period, the gonad, gut, lantern indices and organic matter levels of different organs were determined at the end of the experiment. During the mature stage sea urchins in good nutritional conditions did not increase in size, but allotted energy to gonad production and stored reserves in body wall. Limiting food stopped the gonadal growth without complete regression. During the recovery period food allowed somatic growth, i.e. test growth and the storage of reserves in gonad somatic cells. This somatic production did not occur under food-limited conditions and the resources allotted for survival and maintenance were taken from different body components.     

Reproductive cycle of the commercially harvested sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) along the western coast of Portugal

Harvested populations of the sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) from the northwestern (Carreço) and southwestern (Aljezur) coasts of Portugal were surveyed to describe the species reproductive cycle and assess possible relationships with geographical location and seawater temperature. Individuals were sampled monthly to analyze gonad histology, mean gonadal index (GI), and gonadosomatic index (GSI) during 2 consecutive years (November 2010–November 2012). Both populations presented an annual reproductive cycle, with synchronous gonad maturation and gamete release between sexes. Gonad maturation occurred throughout autumn–winter, followed by a single but prolonged spawning season during spring–summer. The duration of the spawning season displayed a latitudinal gradient likely related to the north–south increasing trend in seawater temperature, with the northwestern population (Carreço) exhibiting a shorter spawning period compared to the southwestern population (Aljezur). The timing and duration of the spawning season was compared with several populations throughout the distributional range of P. lividus in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. In the population from Carreço, the size at first sexual maturity (test diameter = 35.9 mm) was considerably smaller than the minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) of 50 mm test diameter legally established for P. lividus. This study confirms that sustainable exploitation depends on harvesters’ awareness of and compliance with the MCRS and provides useful information for the eventual establishment of a closed season in the harvesting of P. lividus.     

Depth-dependent reproductive output of the green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis (O.F. Müller), in relation to the nature and availability of food

Reproductive output of green sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis O.F. Müller) in the field was highest at depths where preferred macro-algae were abundant, and lowest at depths where preferred macro-algae were overgrazed or replaced by non-preferred species (Agarum and Ptilota). Feeding rate and gonad indices of sea urchins in the laboratory were highest on a diet of preferred algae (Fucusdistichus L. subsp. edentatus (Pyl.) Powell, Laminaria longicruris Pyl., Desmarestia spp. and Saccorhizadermatodea (Pyl.) J. Ag.), and lowest on the less preferred Agarum cribrosum (Mert.) Bory, Ptilota serrata Kütz., and crustose corallines. Gamete production/unit area in overgrazed habitats was as great or greater than in kelp beds because of the higher biomass of urchins in overgrazed areas. Gonad weight and reproductive output of urchins from habitats poor in food can be increased by providing preferred foods.     

Life-history variation within a three-spined stickleback population in the Camargue

Among individuals of female three-spined sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus from a population in the Camargue, southern France, studied in 12 successive years, adult L _T ranged from 31–64 mm, clutch size ranged from 33–660 eggs, and mean egg diameter per clutch ranged from 1.15–1.67 mm. Because the population was strictly annual, inter-annual variation corresponded to variation among generations having experienced different environmental conditions. Body mass varied significantly among years, suggesting an effect of varying environmental conditions. Gonad mass and clutch size increased with body mass, but mean egg diameter was not correlated to body mass. Body mass-adjusted gonad mass, interpreted as reproductive effort per clutch, did not vary significantly among years, suggesting that this trait was not influenced by environmental conditions. Body mass-adjusted clutch size and egg size varied significantly among years. Inter-annual variation in body length at breeding, clutch size and egg size was of the same order of magnitude as inter-population variation reported by other authors for this species. During the breeding season, reproductive effort and clutch size tended to increase. Egg size tended to decrease during the breeding season but this seasonal pattern varied among years. Observed life-history variation is discussed both in terms of its evolutionary significance and methodological implications in the study of life-history variation among populations.     

Lissarca notorcadensis (Bivalvia: Philobryidae) living on Notocidaris sp. (Echinoidea: Cidaridae): Population dynamics in limited space

Summary Population dynamics of the epizoic bivalve Lissarca notorcadensis living on spines of cidaroid sea urchins in the Weddell Sea were investigated. Total production (somatic & gonad) of the suspension feeding bivalve ranged between 16.5 and 487.4 mg AFDM y^–1 per sea urchin. Annual sedimentation rates are not sufficient to maintain the production of the Lissarca sub-populations carried by the sea urchins, and resuspension of organic matter is most likely to be an important food source. The ratio of the number of freshly settled juveniles to the number of embryos brooded is between 0.054 and 0.207 and seems negatively related to the biomass already present, indicating intraspecific competition for space. Interspecific competition for space is caused by the strong preference of L. notorcadensis as well as other epizoa (colonial anthozoans and bryozoans) for the spines located on the aboral hemispere of the sea urchins.AWI Publication No. 572     

Habitat-dependent growth in a Caribbean sea urchin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tripneustes ventricosus</Emphasis>: the importance of food type

The sea urchin Tripneustes ventricosus is a common, yet relatively poorly known, grazer of seagrass beds and coral reefs throughout the Caribbean. We compared the size and abundance of urchins between adjacent seagrass and coral reef habitats (where macroalgae are the dominant primary producers). We also conducted a laboratory experiment comparing the growth rate of juvenile urchins fed a diet of either macroalgae or seagrass. Reef urchins had significantly larger test diameter than those in the seagrass on some sampling dates. This size difference may be at least partially explained by diet, because laboratory-reared urchins fed macroalgae grew significantly faster than those fed seagrass. The seagrass population, however, was stable over time, whereas the reef population exhibited strong fluctuations in abundance. Overall, our study indicates that both the seagrass and coral reef habitats are capable of supporting healthy, reproductive populations of T. ventricosus. Each, however, appears to offer a distinct advantage: faster growth on the reef and greater population stability in the seagrass.     

遮蔽行为对海刺猬摄食、生长和性腺性状的影响

海胆遮蔽行为对于海胆的生长和发育的影响目前还不清楚,在实验室条件下,研究了遮蔽行为对海刺猬(Glyptocidariscrenularis)摄食、生长和性腺性状的影响。实验设两个对照组和一个处理组:对照组为无任何遮蔽条件的空白组和以堆积砖块创造的黑暗空间来满足海胆的掩蔽行为的掩蔽组,遮蔽组则以菲律宾蛤仔(Ruditapes philippinarum)的贝壳作为遮蔽物来满足海胆的遮蔽行为。结果显示:遮蔽组的海胆周摄食量要显著大于掩蔽组(P<0.05),而空白组与遮蔽组和掩蔽组之间的差异不显著(P>0.05);各组海胆的存活率没有显著差异(P>0.05);空白组和遮蔽组海胆的壳径、壳高、体重要显著大于掩蔽组(P<0.05),而空白组和遮蔽组之间没有显著性的差异(P>0.05);空白组和遮蔽组的性腺湿重、性腺干重、性腺指数、壳湿重、壳干重、亚氏提灯湿重、亚氏提灯干重要显著大于掩蔽组(P<0.05),而空白组和遮蔽组之间没有显著性的差异(P>0.05);空白组的提灯指数要显著小于遮蔽组和掩蔽组(P<0.05),而遮蔽组和掩蔽组之间没有显著的差异(P>0.05)。结果证明,遮蔽和掩蔽行为对海刺猬生长及发育的影响是有差别的,掩蔽行为对海刺猬的生长与发育造成了负面影响,而遮蔽行为在一定的生活环境条件下不会对其生长造成影响。研究表明,海刺猬的遮蔽行为反映了其对外界不利环境条件的一种适应性,且这种行为对其生长和发育的影响与掩蔽行为有所不同。至于海刺猬遮蔽行为的进化选择压力,目前的研究还不足以下定论,需要进一步深入的研究。     

The effect of feeding frequency on consumption of food,absorption efficiency,and gonad production in the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus

The frequency of feeding in the field is variable in sea urchins, ranging from nearly continuous to diel or intermittent. It is essential to know the effect of feeding interval on physiological and metabolic processes to understand the basis for production. Lytechinus variegatus (50 mm horizontal diameter) were collected in January 1999 and held in closed-circuit aquaria at 25 degrees C and 35 per thousand salinity. After 9 days without food, individuals were fed one of three treatments: food available ad libitum, food available for 1 day every 2 days or food available for 1 day every 4 days for 28 days. The rate of food consumption per day of all individuals was high the first week of feeding. It then decreased to a lower, constant rate in those fed ad libitum but remained high in those fed one day every 2 or 4 days. The total amount eaten was directly related to frequency of feeding. The apparent dry matter digestibility (absorption efficiency) did not vary with frequency of feeding. As the total amount of energy absorbed was directly related to the frequency of feeding, the increase in the rate of food consumption does not compensate for a decrease in frequency of feeding. Gonad production efficiency was directly related to frequency of feeding. Gonad gross production (assimilation) efficiencies were 8.4, 3.9 and 3.4% for individuals fed every day, or fed one day every 2 and 4 days, respectively. The corresponding gonad net assimilation efficiencies were 12.5, 5.5, and 4.8%. A decrease in frequency of food availability results in use of a greater proportion of the food consumed for maintenance and less for gonad production.     

Biology of the cardinalfishGlossamia gjellerupi (Perciformes: Apogonidae) from the Sepik-Ramu River basin,Papua New Guinea

Synopsis Glossamia gjellerupi forms a considerable part of the fish biomass (25%) and density (12%) in floodplain margin streams and lower foothill streams throughout the Sepik-Ramu basin where it occurs up to an altitude of 320 meters above sea level. It prefers habitats with slow flow rates: pools, alongside banks, under cover of vegetation, etc. Biomass and density decreased with increasing current speeds. Condition factor and fat deposits were negatively correlated to current speeds, with populations from floodplain margin streams having the highest averages for both these indices. Fluctuations in population size appeared to be related to the irregular occurrence of spates. No seasonality in reproduction, condition and fat deposits were noted although peaks occurred according to specific local conditions. Fecundity was found to be low, increasing with fish size. Eggs in a ripe ovary were all in the same stage of development, with sizes of around 3.3 mm.G. gjellerupi is a male mouth brooder. Mouth-breeding may restrict the species to well oxygenated waters. Reproductive activity takes place throughout the year but is not random since clear peaks in gonad development occurred within different populations. Reproductive activity and/or survival rate of juveniles are possibly directly related to floods. Prolonged periods of environmental stability, such as those occurring in periods of less rainfall, seem to be conditional for the survival of juveniles. Fish up to 30 mm length fed predominantly on small benthic insect larvae. Fish larger than 60 mm are carnivorous top-predators feeding predominantly on crabs, bottom dwelling fish and large terrestrial insects. Fish of all sizes, except the largest, fed on caridinid prawns. Feeding habits varied between different habitats depending on local environmental conditions.     

Reproduction and fecundity of the musselmytilus edulis at helgoland (North sea)

The reproductive cycle of aMytilus edulis population in the lower tidal zone at the island of Helgoland from Spring 1980 to Summer 1981 is described. In both years the spawning period extended from the end of April until the end of June at water temperatures between 6° and 14°C. The gametes were built up again in autumn and most individuals were mature in February. Sex ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1. Fecundity, egg diameter and gamete weight of this and another population in the subtidal zone were assessed and size frequency distribution of shell lengths was established. Based on data of body weight prior to spawning, the following tendencies could be outlined: animals of the intertidal population had significantly smaller eggs than those from the subtidal area. Although the soft body biomass per unit area of the subtidal population was nearly double that of the tidal, their annual egg output was nearly the same (2.3 × 10⁹ eggs m^?2). This was achieved by a smaller size at the onset of sexual maturation (18 mm instead of 30 mm shell length) and a higher egg output at comparable shell lengths in the intertidal. In both populations, large animals contributed most to gamete production, although they did not necessarily dominate in biomass.     

The effect of temperature on feeding and growth characteristics of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus fed a formulated feed

We investigated the effect of culture temperature on feed intake, absorption, organismal growth, and tissue production of Lytechinus variegatus by culturing individuals at three different temperatures representing the normal range of temperature exposure in wild populations in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Large L. variegatus (ca. 42 + 0.6 mm diameter, 36 + 1.3 g wet weight, n = 97) were collected at St. Joseph Bay, Florida, in October 2001. Eight sea urchins were held individually in 1-L containers within an 80-L aquarium with recirculated synthetic seawater at 32-ppt salinity. Three aquaria with the containers were each placed in three incubators at temperatures of 16, 22, or 28 °C for 8 weeks. Sea urchins held at 22 °C had the highest rate of feed intake. Feed intake in individuals held at 16 °C decreased significantly during the first 2 weeks of exposure and then increased to values not significantly different from those held at 28 °C by week 6. The dry matter absorption efficiency of individuals held at 28 °C was significantly higher than those held at 16 °C or 22 °C. The percentage of organic matter in the feces did not vary significantly with temperature. Individuals increased significantly in diameter, wet weight, and gonad weight at all temperatures. The wet weights of individuals held at 22 °C were significantly higher than those held at 28 °C or 16 °C, which did not differ significantly. The gut weight varied inversely with temperature. The wet weight of gonads of individuals held at 22 °C was significantly higher than those held at 28 °C, but neither differed significantly from those held at 16 °C. Production efficiencies, both organismal and gonadal, were inversely proportional to temperature, indicating that the overall metabolic cost of production increased with increasing temperatures. Organism production efficiencies were lower and gonad production efficiencies were higher than those found in small sea urchins, emphasizing that patterns of nutrient allocation vary between small and large sea urchins. Physiological processes associated with feed intake, absorption, and nutrient allocations vary with temperature, but allow the sea urchins to maintain growth and gonad production at a variety of temperatures. These data suggest that temperatures near the upper limits do not promote efficient use of resources, an important consideration for future commercial culture. Since gonad (roe) production is the ultimate goal of many aquaculture operations, gonad production efficiencies will provide a valuable tool for evaluating the efficacy of various feeds and feeding conditions on gonad production.