chatfouz Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 In our biology lab today we are observing the fertilization of eggs in sea urchins. I just thought I would pass on this bit of information on how to induce spawining in sea urchins. Apparently if you inject an urchin with 0.5 ml of 0.5M KCL into the perioral tissue (soft bit around the mouth) or apply a mild 6v current the urchins will spawn. Releasing out thier eggs or sperm into the water. I thought this was a neat trick for those who keep urchins and always wanted more. Also i wonder if this will work for other related critters like the seastars etc... thought it was cool, thought to share Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzobob Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 Ha, sorry, just the thought of some poor lab assistant applying random voltages to various critters to stimulate spawning just cracks me up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chatfouz Posted February 24, 2010 Author Share Posted February 24, 2010 the worst really is seeing the urchins. There are 25 urchins in two 30 gal tanks. The professor thought ahead to get the urchins early, two weeks early. Ten days later he lost all but 4. Talked with the TA, Apparently the only filtration was a HOB simple filter and a bubbler. Potatoes for food, no skimmer and the tank was given 2 days to cycle. This is what happens when a plant professor and 3 cancer based grad students get into aquatic science. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKarshens Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Didn't you go to China or something? Are you back? It is sad to me that a scientist wouldn't do research before setting up an experiment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesL Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Potatoes for food? Really? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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