POPULATION DIFFERENCES IN EGG QUALITY OF ARBACIA-LIXULA (ECHINODERMATA, ECHINOIDEA) - PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF EGGS AND LARVAL DEVELOPMENT

Differences in egg quality within and between populations of Arbacia lixula were investigated in the laboratory. Individuals from Cap Ferrat, Mediterranean, France, produced eggs with a higher protein and lipid contt than individuals from Villefranche, Mediterranean, France. This led to faster growth and development and greater survival in larvae from individuals from Cap Ferrat. The low protein and lipid content of eggs from individuals from Villefranche compared to those from Cap Ferrat. may have bn due to differences in the abundance of different algal species in the two localities and consequently the diet of sea urchins. © 1990.