Contribution à l'étude dy cycle annuel de reproduction d'une population d'Asterias rubens (Echinodermata, Asteroidea) du littoral belge = Contribution to the study of the annual reproductive cycle in an Asterias rubens (Echinodermata, Asteroidea) population from the Belgian coast
Jangoux, M.; Vloebergh, M. (1973). Contribution à l'étude dy cycle annuel de reproduction d'une population d'Asterias rubens (Echinodermata, Asteroidea) du littoral belge = Contribution to the study of the annual reproductive cycle in an Asterias rubens (Echinodermata, Asteroidea) population from the Belgian coast. Neth. J. Sea Res. 6(3): 389-408 In: Netherlands Journal of Sea Research. Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ): Groningen; Den Burg. ISSN 0077-7579; e-ISSN 1873-1406, more |  |
| Authors | | Top | - Jangoux, M., more
- Vloebergh, M.
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| Abstract | The histological changes of the gonads of Asterias rubens during the annual reproductive cycle are described. Beyond a juvenile stage, it is possible to define 6 different stages both in males and in females. Moreover, in females, the evolution of the diameter of oocytes is followed. We also investigated the reproductive cycle using weight variations of the animals and of some of their internal organs (gonads, pyloric caeca and stomachs). The variations were expressed in two different ways: evolution of the organic indices, and evolution of the regression lines between organ weight and total weight. The results are compared with those of previous authors and the characteristics of the studied population are defined. Pollution is discussed as a possible influence on the small size and the degree of sterility of the coastal starfish population. Finally, from the study of weight variations, it appears that an inverse relation exists between the pyloric caecum weight and gonad weight. |
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