Reproductive cycle of the temperate sea cucumber Holothuria tubulosa in the northeastern Aegean Sea
Makaleler > Tam Makale · 2024
Yazarlar: Serhat ENGİN, Mustafa Tolga TOLON, Deniz GÜNAY, Dilek EMİROĞLU
MARINE AND COASTAL FISHERIES, SCI Expanded İndekslerine Giren Dergi, Uluslararası, Wos, 2024, cilt 16, ss 1-15
DOI: 10.1002/mcf2.10307
Özet
<p>Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the reproductive cycle and spawning frequency of the sea cucumber Holothuria tubulosa in the northeastern Aegean Sea. Methods: The study covered a period of 12months, beginning in October 2018 and concluding in September 2019. During this period, sea cucumber samples were collected monthly. Macroscopic and histological examinations of gonadal tubules were conducted to provide credible information for fishery management and aquaculture. Result: The sex ratio of the sampled population was 1:1.3, with 95 males and 130 females. The drained body weights at 50% maturity were 70.90g for females and 70.80g for males. The total length at 50% maturity was estimated at 18.58cm for females and 18.05cm for males. Gonad maturation was initiated in March and progressed to spawning stages between July and August. From September to February, the gonads were in postspawning and recovery stages. A strong linear correlation was determined between the gonad index and the seawater temperature in the area. Conclusion: The information provided is expected to improve stock management, enforce fishery regulations, and support controlled breeding programs. These measures aim to preserve the natural populations of Holothuria tubulosa and guarantee the long-term viability of the species in the wild.</p>