Hydrodynamism and its influence on the reproductive condition of the edible sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus

Despite the large body of work published in the last two decades on the reproduction of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, the reproductive aspects linked to hydrodynamic conditions and their influence on gonad production remain poorly understood. The present paper aims to evaluate the effect of hydrodynamism on the reproductive cycle of P. lividus. Variability in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) of P. lividus was estimated seasonally from 2007 to 2008 at two shallow sub-littoral flat basaltic areas at Ustica Island (Western Mediterranean). GSI was higher in the sites characterized by low hydrodynamism than in those with high hydrodynamism. Results also suggest a possible role for hydrodynamism in triggering processes of resource limitation (food shortage), probably by interfering with P. lividus feeding activity.

► The GSI is a good indicator of the reproductive status of Paracentrotus lividus.
► We studied benthic assemblage, density, diet, gut content and GSI of P. lividus, under various hydrodynamic conditions.
► Hydrodynamism has a negative impact on GSI of P. lividus.
► Results suggest a possible role of hydrodynamism in triggering processes of resource limitation in P. lividus.