Growth, size class frequency and reproduction of purple sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816) in Bistrina Bay (Adriatic Sea, Croatia)

Abstract

           This paper presents research data on the growth, size class frequency and reproduction of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus in Bistrina Bay, eastern Adriatic Sea coast, Croatia. The population was sampled on a monthly basis and from depths ranging between 0 and 3 m from the surface. Size class frequency of the test diameter showed that the population size ranges between 10 and 65 mm in the area with the main population in the class 30-45 mm. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were found: TD_∞=7.07 cm, K=0.182, t_o=-1.403 years. The estimated longevity was found to be 15.06 years. The gonad somatic index annual distribution showed that the peak of reproduction occurs in April. The average GSI values range between 1.33±0.96% in September and 4.83±2.02% in April.