First description of embryonic and larval development, juvenile growth of the black sea-cucumber Holothuria forskali (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea), a new species for aquaculture in the north-eastern Atlantic

• Published in: Aquaculture
• Main Authors: Laguerre, Hélène, Raymond, Grégory, Plan, Patrick, Améziane, Nadia, Bailly, Xavier, Le Chevalier, Patrick
• Other Authors: Écologie et santé des écosystèmes (ESE), Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE)-INSTITUT AGRO Agrocampus Ouest, Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement (Institut Agro)-Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement (Institut Agro), Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB ), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (MNHN)-École pratique des hautes études (EPHE), Université Paris sciences et lettres (PSL)-Université Paris sciences et lettres (PSL)-Sorbonne Université (SU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université des Antilles (UA), Station biologique de Roscoff (SBR), Sorbonne Université (SU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Fédération de recherche de Roscoff (FR2424), Sorbonne Université (SU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Sorbonne Université (SU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: HAL CCSD 2020
• Subjects: Holothuria forskali; Sea cucumber; Aquaculture; Spawning; Larvae; Embryonic development; Metamorphosis; Juvenile growth; [SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio]; North East Atlantic
• Online Access: https://hal.science/hal-03489603; https://hal.science/hal-03489603/document; https://hal.science/hal-03489603/file/S0044848619312001.pdf; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.734961

International audience Holothuria forskali (Delle Chiaje, 1823), also called the "black sea cucumber or cotton spinner", is a native species from the North East Atlantic Area and the Mediterranean Sea. This holothurian is newly targeted to supply the Asian Market. In this context, developing aquaculture is important to prevent risks of over fishing. This paper describes the first successful reproduction, larval rearing, and juvenile growth of H. forskali performed in captivity. Reproduction of H. forskali was observed in April 2018. The reproductive behavior was similar to those observed in other species. The auricularia stage hatched after 4 days and lasted > 30 days. Pentactula and metamorphosis to the benthic life was obtained after 40 days. Juveniles have been observed only after 90 days and measured 8 mm long. Juvenile growth was slow (0.1 mm/day) for this first breeding. This first description of H. forskali breeding and rearing in hatchery is encouraging for a new innovative and sustainable aquaculture.