Population Density, Size Structure, and Reproductive Cycle of the Comestible Sea Urchin Sphaerechinus granularis (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) in the Pagasitikos Gulf (Aegean Sea)

Abstract

Sphaerechinus granularis is a common grazer that lives in various sublittoral habitats, displaying typical covering behavior; i.e., putts shell-fragments, pebbles, and algae on its test. It is an edible species of increasing commercial importance due to the depletion of the common urchin’s, Paracentrotus lividus, stocks. Its biology, however, is not adequately studied over its distributional range. The present study examines population density, size structure, and reproductive biology of S. granularis in the Aegean Sea. Samplings were made with SCUBA-diving (8–10 m) and included: (i) visual census along transects to estimate density, and (ii) random collection of specimens at monthly intervals to assess biometry and gametogenesis. Population density had moderate values that almost doubled when inputted to Distance software. S. granularis had larger dimensions in the sheltered site; size-structures were unimodal (65–70 mm and 70–75 mm, in exposed and sheltered site, respectively). An annual reproductive cycle was evident, according to GSI and gonads’ histology, with a clear spawning peak in early spring. This pattern conforms to previous reports from the Atlantic, but precedes those from the Mediterranean (reproduction in summer). The provided baseline knowledge on the biology of S. granularis is important for the viable management of its developing fishery.