The case for seasonal evisceration in the holothuroid Eupentacta quinquesemita (Selenka): a reply to Fankboner and Cameron (1985)

Abstract

In a recent publication, Fankboner and Cameron (P. V. Fankboner and J. L. Cameron. 1985. Can. J. Zool. 63: 2888–2892) contested the conclusions of Byrne (M. Byrne. 1985. Ophelia, 24: 75–90) who had made a case for the incidence of seasonal evisceration (visceral autotomy) in the holothuroid Eupentacta quinquesemita. In this reply, the results of Byrne (1985) are reexamined. It is shown that the evidence presented amply demonstrates the existence of seasonal evisceration and that the objections of Fankboner and Cameron (1985) are based on their misreading of Byrne (1985). In addition, the mechanisms causing seasonal loss of the viscera by aspidochirote and dendrochirote holothuroids are discussed.