Pattern of energy allocation during the gametogenesis of the sea star Cosmasterias lurida (Philippi, 1858) (Forcipulatida: Stichasteridae) from the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia, Argentina

COSSI, P.F.; BOY, C.C.; PÉREZ, A.F.

REVISTA DE BIOLOGíA TROPICAL

REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA TROPICAL

Lugar: Turrialba; Año: 2017

0034-7744

Energy allocation patterns during thereproductive cycle of echinoderms may be determined by the different energyrequirements of the organisms. In this study, we describe the anatomical location (gonad,stomach and pyloric caeca) of the energy reserves among the gametogenic stages ofa population of Cosmasterias lurida in the Beagle Channel. Adultindividuals of C. lurida werecollected from the subtidal zone of Ushuaia Bay in four seasonal samplings,from August 2010 to June 2011. Indices, energy density and energy content of gonads,pyloric caeca and stomach were determined. Oocytes number and diameter were assessed. Cosmasteriaslurida presented a major peak of gonadal index (GI) in mature (M) gonads,with an important declination towards the spawning (PS/PSR) and remature (RM)periods. No variation was observed in the energy density of gonads (EDG).The energy content of gonads (ECG) presented a similar pattern tothe GI. Thus, the variation of energetic reserves in gonads can be explainedthrough the variation in gonad mass and not in its energy density. Females presentedhigher ECG and EDG values than males, which suggest a greaterenergy investment in females during the reproductive cycle. The stomach andpyloric caeca indices, energy density and energy content remained unalteredamong the stages. The energy density of pyloric caeca (EDPC) washigher in mature males than in mature females. Likewise, the energy density ofstomach (EDS) was overall higher in males than in females. This inverse pattern between sexes in relationto the EDG may suggest a transference of energy from the pyloriccaeca and stomach to gonads during maturation and thus a role of these organs asenergy reservoirs for reproduction.