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<p>The flatworm <i>Planocera multitentaculata</i> is known to accumulate high concentrations of tetrodotoxin (TTX), a potent neurotoxin that selectively inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels. This flatworm species has been identified as a potential source of TTX in various TTX-bearing organisms. Although TTX concentrations in these organisms have been extensively analyzed using mass spectrometry, the ecological characteristics of <i>P. multitentaculata</i> remain poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated key aspects of the species’ ecology by examining its spawning behavior and embryonic development under controlled temperature conditions. Our observations revealed a tendency for spawning activity to increase during spring tides, particularly around the full and new moons. Furthermore, hatching success was temperature-dependent: 100% at &gt; 16&#xa0;°C, 20% at 14&#xa0;°C, and 0% at 12&#xa0;°C, indicating that water temperature plays a critical role in determining suitable habitats for <i>P. multitentaculata</i>. In addition, TTX concentrations in egg plates were significantly higher at 20&#xa0;°C than at 12&#xa0;°C. These findings suggest that rising seawater temperatures associated with global climate change may enhance both the reproductive success and population expansion of <i>P. multitentaculata</i>. Consequently, this may lead to increased toxification of TTX-bearing organisms that acquire the toxin through trophic interactions with this species.</p>

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Effects of water temperature on the reproductive ecology and toxin dynamics of the toxic flatworm Planocera multitentaculata

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月25日

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  • Hikaru Oyama,
  • Taiki Okabe,
  • Rei Suo,
  • Masaaki Ito,
  • Ryo Yonezawa,
  • Shouzo Ogiso,
  • Hajime Matsubara,
  • Nobuo Suzuki,
  • Shuichi Asakawa,
  • Shiro Itoi

摘要

The flatworm Planocera multitentaculata is known to accumulate high concentrations of tetrodotoxin (TTX), a potent neurotoxin that selectively inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels. This flatworm species has been identified as a potential source of TTX in various TTX-bearing organisms. Although TTX concentrations in these organisms have been extensively analyzed using mass spectrometry, the ecological characteristics of P. multitentaculata remain poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated key aspects of the species’ ecology by examining its spawning behavior and embryonic development under controlled temperature conditions. Our observations revealed a tendency for spawning activity to increase during spring tides, particularly around the full and new moons. Furthermore, hatching success was temperature-dependent: 100% at > 16 °C, 20% at 14 °C, and 0% at 12 °C, indicating that water temperature plays a critical role in determining suitable habitats for P. multitentaculata. In addition, TTX concentrations in egg plates were significantly higher at 20 °C than at 12 °C. These findings suggest that rising seawater temperatures associated with global climate change may enhance both the reproductive success and population expansion of P. multitentaculata. Consequently, this may lead to increased toxification of TTX-bearing organisms that acquire the toxin through trophic interactions with this species.