Length-weight relationship, movement rates, and in situ spawning observations of Holothuria scabra (sandfish) in Fiji

Lee, Steven and Ford, Amanda K. and Mangubhai, Sangeeta and Wild, Christian and Ferse, Sebastian C. A. (2018) Length-weight relationship, movement rates, and in situ spawning observations of Holothuria scabra (sandfish) in Fiji. [Professional and Technical Reports]

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Abstract

This study investigated the length-weight relationship and movement rates of the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra, and reports on two in situ H. scabra spawning events at a site with relatively healthy stocks in Vanua Levu, Fiji. A length-weight equation was established − weight = 0.1878 × length2.5807 − which explained 90% of the variance for H. scabra of length 5−24 cm. H. scabra moved at a rate of 40 cm h-1 ± 3.40 SE and appeared active for 10 h day-1, displayed a home-ranging behaviour, and therefore are considered mobile within a limited range. Spawning occurred during October and December, coincided with spring tides, and was only observed around enclosures that were stocked with high densities (ca. 350 g m-2) of H. scabra. The animals aggregated around high-density enclosures prior to spawning, suggesting that spawning is density dependent. Observations during spawning indicate the length at first maturity is ca. 15 cm.

Item Type:	Professional and Technical Reports
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) > Q1-390 Science (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Marine Studies
Depositing User:	Amanda Ford
Date Deposited:	24 Feb 2021 04:03
Last Modified:	24 Feb 2021 04:03
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/12619

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