Use of body components during starvation in Lytechinus variegatus (Lamarck) (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)

Lytechinus variegatus (Lamarck) were starved for 2.5 months to determine which of the main body components (gut, gonad, body wall) are used for nutritive storage. The gut decreased in size and organic content during the first month, then remained relatively stable. The gonads decreased in size throughout the experiment, especially during the second month. Organic material in the gonads decreased after 2 weeks, and was significantly less after 10 weeks of starvation. The body wall maintained similar size, but decreased in organic content throughout the experiment. These observations suggest that the gut is used for short term nutrient storage and, as starvation continues, material in the gonads and body wall become more important. Thus, all of the main body components may be used as nutrient reserves during starvation.