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: | https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/12619 |
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