ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a study on the reproductive cycle, larval development, juvenile growth and size distribution of Patiriella pseudoexigua Dartnall (Echinodermata: Asteroidea). The starfish, Patiriella pseudoexigua which occurs in the high intertidal pool of Wanli-ton, south of Taiwan, may utilize energy first from body wall and then from the pyloric caeca during its gametogenesis. The growth of juveniles shows a sigmoid shape and is positively correlated with seasonal changes of temperature. Juveniles are noticed in tide pools in April-May each year. It takes more than one year to become mature. Population size decreases in late summer and adults immigrate into intertidal pools in winter. Reproductive events in the genus Patiriella are also discussed.
