Differences in morphology and life history traits of the echinoid Echinometra lucunter from different habitats

Abstract

Populations of the echinoid Echinometra luc- unter (Linnaeus) were sampled every month for 1 yr from a habitat subjected to heavy wave action and from a low wave- energy habitat at Barbados, West Indies. Differences in mor- phology and life history traits between the 2 sites were com- pared. Urchins from the high wave-energy habitat had thicker tests, were smaller, flatter and narrower, and differed in their pattern of ocular insertion from urchins at the low wave-energy site. Urchins from the high wave-energy habitat spawned once a year whereas those from the low wave- energy habitat spawned twice a year.