EFFECT OF STARVATION ON THE ORGANIC NUTRIENT RESERVES IN THE TEST OF TRIPNEUSTES GRATULA (L.) (ECHINODERMATA: ECHINOIDEA) FROM TOE GULF OF ELAT

ABSTRACT A significant decrease occurred in the levels of protein and carbohydrate, but not lipid, in the tests of the echinoid, Tripneustes gratilla (L.), as a result of starvation. Greater loss of protein than of other organic nutrients is considered to indicate that tissue destruction (resorption) occurred in the test during starvation. The energy represented by the decline in organic nutrient levels does not appear sufficient to meet the metabolic needs of the echinoid. It is postulated that the actual loss of organic nutrients from the test is camouflaged by the concommitant loss of inorganic material during resorption.