Larval size and metamorphosis are significantly reduced in second generation of inbred sea urchins Strongylocentrotus intermedius

Multiple inbreeding dramatically impacts aquaculture of marine species. Here, we investigated effects of second generation of inbreeding on fertilization, hatching, larval growth and metamorphosis in sea urchins. The present study provides the convincing evidence on the inbreeding depression of larval growth and metamorphosis in sea urchins and highlights the importance of avoiding multiple generation of inbreeding in sea urchin aquaculture.