Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 July 2014
The increasing market demand for Glyptocidaris crenularisshapes its great potential for aquaculture. Temperature is an importantfactor affecting gonad production and quality of sea urchins. Therefore, itis essential and valuable to carry out an evaluation of the temperatureeffects on gonad production and quality in G. crenularisbefore potential aquaculture. Here, we investigated the long-term effects oftemperature on gonad production, colour and flavour in G. crenularis. There was no significant difference of testdiameter, height and body weight between the sea urchins in high (16–23°C)and low (12–16°C) temperatures (P > 0.05). Glyptocidaris crenularis showed significantly highergonad production and index in high temperature and in low temperature (P < 0.05). L*, a*, b* readings were slightly higher in the low temperaturegroups, although no significant difference was found(P > 0.05). Subjective colour and flavour ratings foundthat G. crenularis in the low temperature group showedsignificantly better colour (P = 0.003) and flavour (P < 0.001) than those in the high temperature group.The present study provides valuable and insightful information into theestablishing G. crenularis aquaculture.