Handling and Manipulation of Gametes and Embryos of the Annelidan Worm Pseudopotamilla occelata

Abstract

Pseudopotamilla occelata is a polychaete worm distributed widely in the northern part of the Pacific coast, having value as fishing bait as well as biological material for some basic research areas, including reproduction. Here we describe methods for handling the gametes and embryos of this worm, focusing on such topics as maintenance of adults, induction of oocyte maturation and fertilization, culture of embryos and larvae, microinjection into oocytes, and calcium (Ca2+) imaging.