NOTE ON THE SPAWNING OF THE HOLOTHURIAN, THYONE BRIAREUS (LESUEUR)

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Abstract
This sea-cucumber was studied at Woods Hole, Massachusetts, during the 2d half of June, 1948. Of 314 specimens 49 shed in the laboratory, a higher proportion of males shedding than females. Spawning waned during the mo. The sexes are indistinguishable externally and size is no criterion of sex or ability to shed. Shedding may be completed in 10 to 30 min. or may continue for several hrs. One animal can shed repeatedly, sometimes at intervals of several days. Only eggs which have shed can be fertilized. Specific times of day, amts. of light, or volumes of water are not prerequisites for shedding nor must a shedding male be present to induce the female to shed. Low temps. (15[degree] - 17[degree]C) seem to inhibit shedding and possibly warmer temp., favor it.