Spatial and seasonal variation of the gonad index of Diadema antillarum (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) in the Canary Islands

  1. José Carlos Hernández Pérez
  2. Alberto Miguel Brito Hernández
  3. Nayra García Hernández
  4. María Candelaria Gil Rodríguez
  5. G. Herrera
Journal:
Scientia Marina

ISSN: 0214-8358

Year of publication: 2006

Volume: 70

Issue: 4

Pages: 689-698

Type: Article

DOI: 10.3989/SCIMAR.2006.70N4689 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openOpen access editor

More publications in: Scientia Marina

Metrics

Cited by

  • Scopus Cited by: 23 (18-03-2023)
  • Web of Science Cited by: 20 (20-03-2023)

JCR (Journal Impact Factor)

  • Year 2006
  • Journal Impact Factor: 1.005
  • Journal Impact Factor without self cites: 0.897
  • Article influence score: 0.0
  • Best Quartile: Q3
  • Area: MARINE & FRESHWATER BIOLOGY Quartile: Q3 Rank in area: 47/79 (Ranking edition: SCIE)

SCImago Journal Rank

  • Year 2006
  • SJR Journal Impact: 0.742
  • Best Quartile: Q2
  • Area: Aquatic Science Quartile: Q2 Rank in area: 63/175
  • Area: Oceanography Quartile: Q2 Rank in area: 43/124

Abstract

Diadema antillarum Philippi occurs in high density populations in the Canary Islands, creating extensive barren areas. During one year we determined seasonal changes in the algal abundance and population densities, test diameter, gut contents and gonad index of sea urchins in two localities (Abades and Boca Cangrejo). Boca Cangrejo shows higher algae cover and species richness than Abades. The sea urchin population at Abades had a higher density and smaller urchins than Boca Cangrejo. Boca Cangrejo sea urchins showed higher specific richness in gut contents than Abades urchins. The sea urchin population at Abades did not have a clearer reproductive periodicity or higher gonad index than the Boca Cangrejo population. Temporal and spatial changes in gonad periodicity of Diadema antillarum are attributed, at least in part, to benthic food availability (algal cover and algal species number) and intra-specific competition.