Spawning and Larval Development of the Four‐Sided Sea Cucumber, Isostichopus badionotus (Selenka 1867), under Controlled Conditions

Abstract

The objective of this study was to generate information for the development of Isostichopus badionotus culture protocols by determining optimal spawning methods, egg production, length and duration of larval stages, and larval habitat settlement preferences. Studies performed during the spawning seasons of 2010 and 2011 showed that this organism spawns between July and November without mechanical or chemical induction. The larval development has five well-defined stages: early, mid and late auricularia, doliolaria, and pentactula. Juveniles (654.3 μm length) were obtained on average 25 days after fertilization (DAF), when larvae were incubated at 25 ± 1 C. No preference was observed for any of the materials used for settlement of the larvae. The easy adaptation of I. badionotus to the culture conditions and the competence of the larvae to complete metamorphosis while feeding solely on microalgae concentrates make this species an excellent candidate for farming. However, it is necessary to continue designing techniques for larval culture and to establish appropriate captivity conditions that allow multiannual reproduction.

Use of micro-algae concentrates for hatchery culture of sandfish, Holothuria scabra

“…This might be a reasonable explanation for the relatively high nutritional value of the diatom Chaetoceros muelleri (fed live) reported during hatchery culture of sandfish from auriculariae to competent doliolariae (Knauer, 2011). Zacarías-Soto et al (2013) reported that a mixture of concentrated micro-algae from the Instant Algae® range (Tetraselmis and Isochrysis) can be used to raise the larvae of Isostichopus badionotus. In the current study, all commercially available micro-algae concentrates tested proved nutritious for H. scabra larvae when fed as single species, and all supported normal growth and development, and relatively high survival, through settlement.…”

“…Hair et al (2011) reported successful larval culture of sandfish larvae when the majority of live micro-algae was replaced with concentrated micro-algae, while Zacarías-Soto et al (2013) more recently reported successful larval culture of Isostichopus badionotus using micro-algae concentrates alone. Broad use of commercially available micro-algae concentrates as food for sea cucumber larvae would support development of simplified larval rearing protocols that are more appropriate for developing nations.…”

Geostatistical analysis and spatial modeling of population density for the sea cucumbers Isostichopus badionotus and Holothuria floridana on the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

“…These patches are characterized by high densities in central areas, with densities declining with distance from the center. This pattern could be very well a response of individuals to matting behavior (Zacarías-Soto et al, 2013) or to environmental conditions such as food availability (Slater et al, 2010(Slater et al, , 2011. Therefore, it will be important in future studies to include in the analysis factors such as substrate type, microalgae in sediments, organic matter, macroalgae, grain-size parameters of marine sediments, carbon concentration in sediments and other factors that influence sea cucumbers feeding behavior, or biochemical communication in reproductive behavior.…”

Evaluation of Potential Feed Ingredients for the Juvenile Four‐sided Sea Cucumber, Isostichopus badionotus

“…When the larvae reached the benthic stage, they were kept in the same tanks and fed with fresh C. muelleri and Thalassiosira weissflogii concentrate (Reed Mariculture, Inc. Campbell, CA, USA) followed by M. pyrifera and Sargassum sp. meals sieved at 55 µm enriched with Algamac 2000 (Bio‐Marine Inc. Hawthorne, CA, USA) and Spirulina powder (Zacarías‐Soto et al ) until juveniles were evident to the naked eye and developed the pigmentation pattern. The average weight at the beginning of the experiment was 0.24 ± 0.07 g.…”