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<p>The reproductive biology of <i>Asterina fimbriata</i>, a member of the family Asterinidae, was investigated through monthly sampling between July 2021 and June 2023 in Atlantic Patagonian coastal waters. This species presented a curious reproductive strategy: females presented oocytes at different developmental stages throughout the year, with a low frequency of mature oocytes and no evidence of synchronized spawning events. However, 6.52% of females exhibited a periodic oogenic cycle, showing a peak of oocyte release in June (coldest water temperature). Males displayed a clear annual gametogenic cycle, with maximum sperm release during the coldest months (June–August). Only 8% of females exhibited brooding behaviour, which lasted approximately four months (May–September) and coincided with the peak in mature oocytes (April–May) and their subsequent release in June. Broods developed within the stomach and, following metamorphosis, emerged as a mass outside the female’s mouth. Six distinct developmental stages were identified, revealing a progressive transition from internal to external brooding as offspring matured. <i>A. fimbriata</i> represents the first confirmed case of gastric brooding in the family Asterinidae. The low proportion of reproductive females indicates a high energetic cost of incubation that could be associated with the feeding behaviour of this fragile species. These findings expand the understanding of reproductive strategies in sea stars and highlight a novel adaptation within this clade.</p>

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First evidence of gastric brooding in Asterinidae highlighted by the reproductive strategy of Asterina fimbriata in Atlantic Patagonia

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月19日

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  • Ariana B. Alarcón Saavedra,
  • Sol A. Rebolledo,
  • Gregorio Bigatti,
  • Martín I. Brogger

摘要

The reproductive biology of Asterina fimbriata, a member of the family Asterinidae, was investigated through monthly sampling between July 2021 and June 2023 in Atlantic Patagonian coastal waters. This species presented a curious reproductive strategy: females presented oocytes at different developmental stages throughout the year, with a low frequency of mature oocytes and no evidence of synchronized spawning events. However, 6.52% of females exhibited a periodic oogenic cycle, showing a peak of oocyte release in June (coldest water temperature). Males displayed a clear annual gametogenic cycle, with maximum sperm release during the coldest months (June–August). Only 8% of females exhibited brooding behaviour, which lasted approximately four months (May–September) and coincided with the peak in mature oocytes (April–May) and their subsequent release in June. Broods developed within the stomach and, following metamorphosis, emerged as a mass outside the female’s mouth. Six distinct developmental stages were identified, revealing a progressive transition from internal to external brooding as offspring matured. A. fimbriata represents the first confirmed case of gastric brooding in the family Asterinidae. The low proportion of reproductive females indicates a high energetic cost of incubation that could be associated with the feeding behaviour of this fragile species. These findings expand the understanding of reproductive strategies in sea stars and highlight a novel adaptation within this clade.