Journal
MARINE AND FRESHWATER BEHAVIOUR AND PHYSIOLOGY
Volume 39, Issue 2, Pages 153-162Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/10236240600688789
Keywords
echinoderm; holothurian; Holothuria nobilis; sea cucumber; behaviour; tagging; mark-recapture; activity monitoring
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Although mark-recapture techniques traditionally have been used to obtain ecological data, tagging of soft-bodied holothurians has proven difficult, and the degree to which invasive tags may confound the behaviour of holothurians remains unclear. In this study, diurnal patterns of activity were monitored in the commercial sea cucumber Holothuria whitmaei (black teatfish) after marking the tegument superficially with a number measuring 30x20mm (to a depth of <= 2mm). Rates of activity in marked specimens increased significantly in the initial hours following marking, and remained higher than those of unmarked control animals for up to 3 days following the procedure. These results suggest (a) that behaviour in holothurians may initially be compromised by marking the tegument and (b) that improved measures of activity may be obtained following a suitable recovery period. This is a useful finding given the need for improved knowledge of commercial holothurian biology, including diurnal and seasonal patterns of behaviour.
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