Reproductive biology of Paracentrotus lividus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) in two contrasting habitats of northernTunisia (south-east Mediterranean)

The reproductive strategies of the sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, was studied in the Bay of Tunis. Samples were collected monthly, from September 1993 to August 1995, in two sites which differ in their marine vegetation and their exposure to wave action. Histological examination demonstrated a cycle of gametogenesis with six reproductive stages and a main breeding period occurring between April and June. Gonad indices varied between sites and years, the sheltered site presenting a higher investment in reproduction. This difference was essentially induced by the largest sea urchins (above 40 mm in diameter). Repletion indices showed a clear pattern without difference between sites and years. The sea urchin increase in feeding activity was controlled by the need to allocate nutrient to the gonad during the mature stage. But the gonad investment was not correlated with the intensity of food intake. Hydrodynamic conditions might play a key role in diverting energy to the maintenance in an exposed environment at the expense of reproduction.