Gonad production in the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus (Lamarck) fed prepared diets

Because management of the fisheries worldwide has not been successful, inte nsive efforts are being developed for aquaculture to meet the demand for se a urchins. The Gulf of Mexico does not have an established fishery for sea urchins, but one species shows great potential for a fishery and for aquacu lture. Lytechinus variegatus exhibits rapid growth, and individuals reach g onadal maturity in less than 1 year. We measured roe production in adults f ed two formulated diets for a period of 10 weeks in the laboratory. Gonads increased in size in individuals fed either diet, although roe production w as less than the maximal roe production observed in natural populations. Go nad color varied with diet, which was attributed to differences in the prim ary ingredients of each feed. Proximate composition of the gonads indicated that diet had no effect on carbohydrate and lipid levels, however, protein levels increased with both diets.