Species profiles: Life histories and environmental requirements of coastal fishes and invertebrates (south Florida): Long-spined Black Sea urchin. [Diadema antillarum]
The long-spined black sea urchin, Diadema antillarum, is one of the most common marine invertebrates in the South Florida and Caribbean regions. Diadema is gregarious and is found in large groups on hard bottom in shallow waters. Spawning is year-round, concentrated in late winter to early summer, and the larvae spend an unknown period in the plankton. Following settlement, growth is rapid, to a maximum size of about 10 cm in 3 to 4 years. Diadema is a grazer, feeding on small algal filaments and on seagrass, and tends to be active at night. Grazing activities can produce grazed halos around patch reefs in the vicinity of seagrass beds. Many experiments have indicated the importance of this grazing in the coexistence of species on the reef and in maintaining high biological productivity. In 1983-84, Diadema suffered an unprecedented mass mortality and its populations were reduced by up to 98% throughout its range. The elimination of Diadema has affected algal biomass, reef productivity, and fish populations. Diadema populations are slowly beginning to increase, but complete recovery may take years.
- Research Organization:
- Fairleigh Dickenson Univ., Christiansted, St. Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands). West Indies Lab.
- OSTI ID:
- 5892615
- Report Number(s):
- TR-EL-82-4/82-11-77; ON: TI88900157
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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