ABSTRACT
Lytechinus variegatus Lamarck were starved for 28 d and then fed ad libitum for 32 d. Gonadal indices increased significantly with feeding by 9.6 fold in females, and 3.03 fold in males, with most of the growth occurring 8 d after feeding. Histological examination of the ovaries after starvation revealed the presence of oocytes (mean = 61 mm) but no visible germinal epithelium. The size of these oocytes increased significantly within the first 8 d of feeding. Ovarian tubules developed a visible germinal epithelium between 8 and 16 d of feeding. The mean oocyte diameter continued increasing to 32 d of feeding (mean = 90 mm). Histological examination of the testicular tubules after starvation revealed the presence of spermatocytes and spermatids, and some mature spermatozoa, but no germinal epithelium was visible. These spermatocytes and spermatids differentiated within the first 8 d of feeding to mature spermatozoa. The testicular tubules developed thin, discontinuous patches of germinal epithelium between 8 and 16 d of feeding. Continuous zones of germinal epithelium occurred in the testes by 32 d of feeding. This suggests that both sexes utilize a two-stage strategy of gametogenic recovery after starvation. First, an immediate completion of development and/or differentiation of existing gametes would allow individuals to attain some reproductive capacity if limited food supplies are found after a period of nutrient deprivation. Second, subsequent initiation of gametogenesis to produce a new cohort of gametes would allow individuals to maximize reproductive output.
