Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (1): add | show Print this page

one publication added to basket [280921]
Lecithotrophic development and metamorphosis in the Indo-West Pacific brittle star Ophiomastix venosa (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea)
Fourgon, D.; Eeckhaut, I.; Vaïtilingon, D.; Jangoux, M. (2005). Lecithotrophic development and metamorphosis in the Indo-West Pacific brittle star Ophiomastix venosa (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea). Invertebr. Reprod. Dev. 47(3): 155-165. dx.doi.org/10.1080/07924259.2005.9652156
In: Invertebrate Reproduction & Development. International Society of Invertebrate Reproduction: Rehovot. ISSN 0792-4259; e-ISSN 2157-0272, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keywords
    Ophiuroidea [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    ophiuroid; larval development; yolk larva; vitellaria; SEM microscopy

Authors  Top 

Abstract
    The larval development of the ophiocomid ophiuroid Ophiomastix venosais described using SEM. The gastrula transforms into a uniformly ciliated early larva which progressively changes into a lecithotrophic late premetamorphic larva with a continuous bilateral ciliated band. This stage is short-lived and equivalent to a highly reduced ophiopluteus. Comparisons between O. venosa and other ophiuroid species whose development has been investigated suggest that, whatever the developmental mode (lecithotrophic or planktotrophic), a pluteus stage always occurs in ophiuroids with planktonic development. Two metamorphic stages were identified, the late metamorphic larva differing from the early one by the closure of the larval mouth. The appearance of the permanent mouth marks the end of the metamorphosis. The postlarva still possesses remnants of larval features. The transformation of the reduced ophiopluteus into a barrel-shaped metamorphic larva with transverse ciliated bands, a vitellaria larva, is followed. The possible occurrence of a unique type of metamorphic larva in non-brooding ophiuroids is discussed. Verification of this, however, needs further SEM investigations on metamorphic larva from species having “regular” planktotrophic development.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors