Reproductive biology of the seastar Ceramaster grenadensis from the deep north-western Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

Ceramaster grenadensis is one of the most abundant bathyal seastars in the north-western Mediterranean Sea and also presents a wide geographic distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. As with other species in this genus, little information is available on the biology and reproductive strategy of C. grenadensis. In this context, we describe for the first time the reproductive cycle of this species from bathyal depths in the north-western Mediterranean Sea. Specimens (N = 141) were collected seasonally from 194 benthic trawls (141 Otter Trawls and 53 Agassiz trawls) conducted during 10 cruises from October 2008 to April 2013. Open slope and canyon systems were sampled at depths between 900 and 2250 m. The population distribution of C. grenadensis showed a depth-related structure, with the smaller adult specimens and juveniles present at greater depths. Sex ratio was 2:1 females per male, constant among seasons and depths. Histological analyses of the gonads showed an asynchronous ovarian organization, with previtellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes throughout the year. These oogenesis patterns suggest a continuous reproduction. However, the Pyloric Caeca Index (PCI) decreased in summer while the Gonad Index (GI) increased in autumn in males, suggesting a higher spawning capacity in autumn. In both sexes, an increasing GI and PCI trend was observed with increasing depth.