The Effects of Sperm Concentration, Sperm:Egg Ratio, and Gamete Age on Fertilization Success in Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster planci) in the Laboratory

Abstract

Laboratory experiments varying gamete concentrations and gamete age demonstrated significant reductions in fertilization success of the starfish Acanthaster planci (L.) with decreasing sperm concentration and increasing age of both eggs and sperm. The effect of aging in sperm was faster than that of eggs, and the speed of sperm aging increased with increasing dilution of sperm. Fertilization success was high over a wide range of sperm: egg ratios but declined rapidly at ratios less than 50, particularly at low sperm concentrations. A. planci gametes aged more slowly, and the loss of fertilizing capacity of sperm with dilution (the respiratory dilution effect) was far less, than in sea urchins. These characteristics provide a mechanism for enhanced fertilization success at given sperm concentrations and at greater distances and times from the point of gamete release, and may explain the higher fertilization rates achieved over longer distances in the wild by A. planci relative to sea urchins. Gametes would remain competent for longer periods at more dilute concentrations and so better achieve long-distance fertilization. Gametes obtained at the end of the breeding season were qualitatively different from those obtained early in the breeding season and showed reduced fertilization success for a given combination of variables, and different fertilization dynamics.