Somatic growth and gonadal development of Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816) fed with diets of different ingredient sources

Sea urchins’ gonads are a delicacy highly appreciated worldwide. In Europe, Paracentrotus lividus is one of the most valuable edible sea urchin species and desired target for aquaculture. One challenges echinoculture to increase growth rate during on-growing phase reducing production cycle required obtain urchins commercial size (test diameter ≈ 50 mm). The present study aimed evaluate gonad development P. fed with three dry diets 15 weeks. were formulated ingredients different sources: an algae-based, fishmeal-based cereals-based diet. somatic was assessed by biometric indicators like linear specific rates. gonadal index (GSI), gametogenesis level, proximate composition fatty acids profile. results obtained showed high rates in all tested (0.44% per day). cereals diet presented highest GSI (8.22%) higher proportion growing premature stages. significantly affected sex, particularly lipid content. Concomitantly, (FA) profile influenced both sex saturated polyunsaturated FA playing important role this differentiation.