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Animals (Basel)
2024 Dec 15;1424:. doi: 10.3390/ani14243613.
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Thermal Behavior of Tropical Sea Cucumber of Isostichopus isabellae: Preliminary Issues.
Rodríguez-Forero A
,
Villacob-Royerth J
,
Hernández Rodríguez M
.
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We investigated the growth, preferences, and thermal resistance of the sea cucumber Isostichopus isabellae to understand its thermal biology. Sixty individuals were kept in tanks at two temperatures (23 °C and 26 °C) for 30 days to determine their favorable maintenance temperature. Their survival rates and specific growth rates were measured to establish their ideal conditioning temperature in the laboratory. The sea cucumbers' thermal preference was evaluated over a gradient from 20 °C to 29 °C, and their behavior was monitored for 4 h. They preferred the temperature to which they were acclimated, aligning with the favorable temperature identified in this study. We did not find differences in the average weight loss between the two experimental temperatures. The highest survival rate (86%) was observed at 23 °C, which can be considered to be the most favorable maintenance temperature. The critical thermal maximum (CTMax) and minimum (CTMin) were determined by gradually heating or cooling the water until the sea cucumbers showed a loss of podia movement and body relaxation. CTMax was established at 36.5 ± 0.3 °C and CTMin at 8 ± 0.5 °C. Based on these results, Isostichopus isabellae could negatively respond to increased temperatures, so we recommend maintaining a favorable temperature of 23 ± 2.3 °C in captivity for its use in aquaculture.
Figure 1. Diagram of the thermal channel for the study of the preferred temperature of sea cucumber Isostichopus isabellae. (1) Three-meter PVC pipe (6” Ø), (2) frozen hydrogel bags, (3) heaters (100 W), (4) digital thermometers + thermocouple, and (5) aeration line (located along the pipe).
Figure 2. Average weight (±standard deviation) of sea cucumber Isostichopus isabellae acclimated to 23° and 26 °C for 30 days.
Figure 3. Weight loss (g) rate of sea cucumber Isostichopus isabellae acclimated to 23° (A) and 26 °C (B) for 30 days. (*) indicates statistically significant differences (p < 0.05).
Figure 4. Mean values ± standard deviation of the preferred temperature of sea cucumbers Isostichopus isabellae acclimated at 23° and 26 °C (Student’s t-test; p < 0.001). n = 12 by temperature.
Figure 5. Behavior of the sea cucumber Isostichopus isabellae acclimated at 26 °C and exposed to an increase in the temperature. (A) Time 0; (B) Normal behavior; (C) Adults located on the walls of the aquarium; (D) Sea cucs increase in movement of podia; (E) Adults were exposed to seven hours of monitoring. n = 12 individuals.
Figure 6. Sequence of behaviors of the sea cucumber Isostichopus isabellae acclimated to 26 °C and exposed to an increase in the water temperature. Adults were exposed to seven hours of monitoring. n = 12 animals. SA: start of activity, IMP + PE: increase in movement of podia and papillae extended, DMP + SCR: decrease in the movement of podia and start of corporal relaxation, RBC: relaxation and body contraction, BRF + TE: body relaxation end and tentacles extended. Letters indicate significant differences (p < 0.05).
Figure 7. Behavior of the sea cucumber Isostichopus isabellae acclimated to 23 °C and exposed to a decrease in the temperature. (A) Normal behavior (time 0); (B) Sea cucs began to move toward the walls or the corner of the aquarium; (C) Adults overlapped with each other; (D) Total decrease in movement and body position in U; (E) Sea cucs do not move. Adults were monitored for eight hours. n = 12 animals.
Figure 8. Sequences of behaviors of the sea cucumber Isostichopus isabellae acclimated to 23 °C and exposed to a decrease in the water temperature. Adults were monitored for eight hours. n = 12 individuals. SA: start of activity, TE + CBP: tentacles extended and body cobra position, TDM + BPU: a total decrease in the movement and U-shaped body position, DMP + TE + CBM: decrease in the podia movement, tentacles relaxed, and cessation of body movement. (*) indicates statistically significant differences (p < 0.05).
