Reproductive cycle of the endemic cassiduloid Cassidulus mitis (Echinoidea: Cassiduloida) on the Brazilian coast

Abstract

Cassidulus mitis Krau, 1954 is an endemic species from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To study the reproductive cycle of this species, samples were collected at Praia Vermelha, in Guanabara Bay, from October 1998 to April 2000. The sex ratio for C. mitis was 1:1, and reproduction occurred throughout the year. The gonadal index of males was greater than that of females. Five gametogenic stages were identified in males: early growth, premature, mature, partially spawned and early growth with a partially spawned stage. There were no spent or recovery stages such as those seen in females. Females had six gametogenic stages: recovery, early growth, premature, mature, partially spawned and spent stage; there was no early growth with a partially spawned stage as there was in males. The mean oocyte diameter was 382 μm (SD=49 μm), and the mean number of juveniles per female was 100 individuals (SD=108). The anterior gonads were frequently smaller than the posterior ones, and there were differences in the gametogenic stages between the anterior and posterior gonads. First sexual maturation occurred in individuals with a diameter of 17 mm. The intestinal wet weight was two- to threefold higher than the test wet weight. This may indicate that C. mitis uses its intestine as a “weight belt” to avoid displacement from the substratum.