Population structure and energetics of the shallow-water antarctic sea star Odontaster validus in contrasting habitats

Growth and production of Sterechinus neumayeri (Echinoidea: Echinodermata) in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica

“…This sequence is paralleled by differences in abundance and nutritional condition of the common sea star Odontaster vaIidus found by Pearse (1965) and McClintock et al (1988). The exceptionally high values for S. neumayeri at C. Evans may be explained partially by higher than estimated microbenthic production (see below).…”

“…Ebert 1983), but additional studies suggest a common pattern of recruitment in McMurdo Sound benthos. McClintock et al (1988) found no juveniles of the sea star Odontaster validus during 1.5 yr of regular sampling. Dayton (1979) found little or no recruitment in several sponge species over a 10 yr period.…”

“…The jaws Were subsequently washed in 95% ethanol and dried. Jaw size was Barry and Dayton (1988), Barry et al (1994), Dayton and Oliver (1977), Dayton et al (1974), Dayton et al (1986), Knox (1990), McClintock et al (1988), Miller and Pearse (1991), Rivkin (1991) Knox (1990) c In austral summer measured from the tip to the upper inner edge. The position of the tetracycline mark was determined using a 350 nm UV-B lamp.…”

“…The dense macroalgal stocks at C. Evans (Miller and Pearse 1991), as well as the numerous seal faeces at McMurdo Station and C. Evans (L. Basch personal observations) may also improve food conditions. New Harbor on the western side of the Sound has lower levels of pelagic and microbenthic primary production (Dayton and Oliver 1977;Barry et al 1994), while E. C. Armitage is assumed to provide the poorest conditions with coarse sediments indicative of strong currents and low sedimentation, and an almost permanent snow laden sea-ice cover that inhibits sea-ice and benthic microalgal primary production (McClintock et al 1988). Differences in the amount of food available will cause differences in production of Sterechinus neumayeri.…”

“…However, it is obvious that, as with the asteroid Odontaster validus (McClintock et al 1988), productivity, which is related to growth rate, is very low at E. C. Armitage. Low production is also reflected in the extremely low abundance and small average size of the individuals.…”