THE EFFECT OF FOOD RATION ON THE QUALITY OF EGGS OF LUIDIA-CLATHRATA (SAY) (ECHINODERMATA, ASTEROIDEA)

Luidia clathrata fed a low food ration during the gametogenic period h ad a decrease in the weight of the body and pyloric caeca although gon ads were produced. Individuals fed a high food ration during this peri od had an increase in the weight of the body and pyloric caeca along w ith gonad production. The eggs of individuals fed the low food ration were significantly although only slightly larger than those of individ uals fed the high food ration. The eggs of the former group had a lowe r fertilizability (21 versus 100%) and a lower survival (50 versus 80% ). This indicates that egg size in Luidia clathrata is not greatly aff ected by food ration, and that egg size is not a good indicator of egg quality for this species. Life history models must consider the effec t of food ration on the quality of eggs.