Effects of artificial diets with different carotene content on the organoleptic characteristics of the gonads and reproductive condition of Loxechinus albus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)

FRAYSSE CINTIA; MALANGA GABRIELA; PÉREZ ANALÍA FERNANDA

REVISTA DE BIOLOGíA TROPICAL

REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA TROPICAL

Lugar: Turrialba; Año: 2017 vol. 65 p. 207 - 220

0034-7744

The organoleptic characteristics of sea urchins gonads (size and color, among others) can be improved by artificial diets. Loxechinus albus is considered one of the most economically significant resources from the littoral-benthic systems in the South Pacific Ocean from Peru to Chile. The objective was to determine artificial diets effects on the organoleptic traits of gonads, reproductive condition, body growth and survival of Loxechinus albus. Two types of diets were administrated (low carotene content diet (LC): balanced food with 0.02% β-carotene and high carotene content diet (HC): balanced food with 0.045% β-carotene) for 16 weeks. As a measurement of growth rate, test diameter of sea urchins fed with artificial diets was measured at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. At both times, size (GI) and color (CI) of the gonads were recorded in ten individuals from each treatment and ten from the natural population (NP). Energy density (ED), energy content (EC) and total carotenes (TCC) were determined by calorimetry and spectrophotometry, respectively. Histological sections were examined microscopically and the sex was identified. Each female was assigned to a gametogenic stage (reproductive condition) and determined: number and diameter of the oocytes, gonadal area occupied by oocytes, and relative frequencies of reproductive stages. At the end of the experiment in relation to the NP, it was possible to achieve higher GI values for both artificial diets. The NP showed higher gonadal area occupied by oocytes and larger oocyte diameter at 16 weeks (P