Systematics, biology, ecology And zoogeography of holothurians: Some observations on the biology of the holothurian Holothuria (metriatyla) scabra (Jaeger)

Some aspects on the biology of commercially most important holothuriam Holothuria (Metriatyla) acabra are presented. It subsists on the organic matter present in the mud or sand. An analysis of gut content revealed fine mud (75-125 ^), sand particles (250-500 p.), moUuscan shells, debris and bits of algae. This species spawns in June and October. By external examination and by taking sections of the gonads, five maturity stages such as immature, maturing, early mature, late mature and spent have been fixed. The characteristics of different stages of maturity are presented in detail