Reproductive cycle of the sea cucumberHolothuria (Platyperona) sanctori(Holothuroidea: Echinodermata) in the southwestern Mediterranean Sea: interpopulation variability

A first-of-its-kind study reveals the reproductive cycle of the sea cucumber Holothuria (Platyperona) sanctori off Algeria’s southwestern Mediterranean coast, demonstrating significant interpopulation variability linked to sediment organic matter levels. The research, comparing two sites—one with minimal anthropogenic influence and another near major pollution sources—found that while spawning intensity varies, the species exhibits an annual cycle synchronized by temperature, peaking from June to October. Gonad maturation in males and females was also found to be tightly coupled, suggesting a winter resting phase followed by spring maturation and summer spawning, with slight temporal lags observed between sites. The study highlights the sensitivity of this species' reproduction to environmental conditions, particularly organic enrichment.

Mezali, K., Soualili, D. L., Neghli, L., & Conand, C. (2014). Reproductive cycle of the sea cucumberHolothuria (Platyperona) sanctori(Holothuroidea: Echinodermata) in the southwestern Mediterranean Sea: interpopulation variability. Invertebrate Reproduction & Development, 58(3), 179–189. https://doi.org/10.1080/07924259.2014.883337