Formulated Diets Drive Gonadal Maturity but Reduce Larval Success in Paracentrotus lividus Bruno Pinto, Maissa Gharbi, Serena Federico, Francesca Glaviano, Enea Tentoni, et al. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2026 Over the past few decades, demand for sea urchin roe has risen, while wild sea urchin populations have declined. This trend has increased interest in aquaculture techniques and the development of formulated feeds to support ecological restoration and research. Here, we examined the effects of a high-protein formulated feed on gonad development in Paracentrotus lividus, compared to fresh feeds (maize and spinach), across three replicated tanks. We assessed gonad maturation, gamete viability, and larval development, and developed a new histopathological index applicable to both sexes. Formulated feed significantly enhanced gonad maturation, increased gamete production, and led to heavier gonads with higher gonadosomatic indices compared to fresh feeds, which were insufficient to promote maturation within four weeks. Notably, no histological alterations were observed in the gonads. Fertilization trials showed that embryos were produced, but none reached the pluteus stage, indicating decreased embryo viability. Although the formulated feed improved gonad development, it adversely affected water quality, increasing nutrient concentrations and lowering pH. Overall, these findings suggest that high-protein formulated feeds could potentially improve aquaculture production by enhancing gonad maturation and gamete output, but additional measures may be needed to support complete larval development.
Heatwaves Affect the Gonadal Maturation of the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus Amalia Amato, Tania Russo, Davide Caramiello, Alberto Macina, Anna Di Cosmo, et al. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2025 Climate-induced ocean warming poses a major threat to marine invertebrate reproduction, including the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, a species of considerable ecological, economic, and scientific interest. Its gonads, highly valued as a culinary delicacy, support local fisheries and aquaculture industries, making reproductive health a critical factor for both conservation and commercial viability. The present study reported the effects of elevated seawater temperatures, mimicking marine heatwave (MHW) conditions, on gonadal maturation and fertilization success on P. lividus. Here, adult specimens at the mature stage of gametogenesis were exposed to control (18 °C) and elevated temperature regimes (24 °C) over a six-week period, and key reproductive metrics were assessed, including histological analysis. Morphological analysis showed very evident gonadal retraction, nearly devoid of germ cells, both for males and females, with a significant decrease in the gonadal index. In addition, histological analysis revealed consistent damage to the gonads, with a significantly increase in histopathological index in specimens kept at 24 °C. These findings reinforce the temperature sensitivity of P. lividus reproduction, suggesting that recurrent heatwaves could severely impair its reproductive output and population dynamics with potential cascading effects on benthic community structure in a long-term ocean warming predicted to intensify.
Stress Induced by Fishing in Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and Relative Impact on Its Use as an Experimental Model Valeria Maselli, Mariangela Norcia, Bruno Pinto, Emanuela Cirillo, Gianluca Polese, et al. Animals, 2025 The common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), among coleoid cephalopods, has evolved the most complex nervous system and sophisticated behaviors. Historically, O. vulgaris was a key animal model for neurophysiology research, and today, it is studied for its genomic innovations. However, unlike other models, there is no octopus farming for research, so specimens must be collected from the wild. This study assessed the impact of fishing on octopuses used in research, considering those caught using artisanal pots in the ‘Regno di Nettuno’ Marine Protected Area, Ischia (NA). To evaluate fishing stress, we identified morphological stress indicators such as chromatophore pattern and posture, and three potential molecular markers, estrogen receptor (ER), catalase (CAT), and heat shock protein (HSP70). We measured the percentage of stress signals shown by fished specimens and analyzed their differential gene expression. The transcriptional levels of octopuses caught using traps were compared to control specimens acclimated in captivity. Results indicated fluctuations in gene expression due to fishing stress. These findings suggest that an acclimation period after the stress event of fishing is crucial for ensuring the welfare of octopuses used in research, thus enhancing the quality of physiological and ethological studies.
Extraocular Photoreception in Optic Lobes, Suckers, and Skin of Octopus vulgaris Valeria Maselli, Al‐Soudy Al‐Sayed, Mariangela Norcia, Stefania Galdiero, Sara Palladino, et al. Integrative Zoology, 2025 Coleoid cephalopods like octopuses, squids, and cuttlefishes have advanced light‐sensing systems crucial for visual perception and survival. Previously, it has been demonstrated that the skin of coleoids contains transcripts encoding rhodopsin and retinochrome, exhibiting a dermal light sense. Moreover, chromatophores in the mantle skin of Octopus bimaculoides expand in response to light when completely isolated from the central nervous system and eyes. In our study combining morphology, gene expression, molecular evolution, 3D modeling of protein structures, and phylogenetic analysis, we demonstrated the presence of photosensitive pigment transcripts in Octopus vulgaris, not only in eyes and skin but also in suckers and even optic lobes. In particular, for the first time, the RNA expression of Ov‐Rhodopsin, Ov‐retinochrome, and Ov‐GRK1 was found and quantified in the skin and also localized in different sucker types and the optic lobes. The obtained results suggest that suckers act as extraocular organs. Each of the approximately 1000 suckers contributes to the distributed light perception system, collectively acquiring environmental information that could support eye vision. Our findings could explain octopuses’ extraordinary ability to camouflage. Furthermore, the optic lobes, which are part of the central nervous system, could be directly involved in light detection, in addition to their role in the integration of sensory information.
Effects of the Interaction of Salinity and Rare Earth Elements on the Health of Mytilus galloprovincialis: The Case of Praseodymium and Europium Carla Leite, Tania Russo, Gianluca Polese, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Carlo Pretti, et al. Journal of Xenobiotics, 2024 The growing use of products containing rare earth elements (REEs) may lead to higher environmental emissions of these elements, which can potentially enter aquatic systems. Praseodymium (Pr) and europium (Eu) are widely used REEs with various applications. However, their ecotoxicological impacts remain largely unexplored, with poorly understood risks to wildlife. Moreover, organisms also face environmental stressors like salinity fluctuations, and the nature of the interaction between salinity variations and contaminants is not yet clear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of salinity shifts on the impacts of Pr and Eu on adult mussels and the sperm of the species Mytilus galloprovincialis after 28 days and 30 min of exposure, respectively. To do so, biochemical and histopathological alterations were evaluated in adults, while biochemical and physiological changes were analysed in sperm. Additionally, the Integrated Biological Index (IBR) was calculated to understand the overall impact of each treatment. The results showed that adult mussels were most affected when exposed to the combination of high salinity and each element, which altered the behaviour of defence mechanisms causing redox imbalance and cellular damage. On the other hand, sperm demonstrated sensitivity to specific REE-salinity combinations, particularly Pr at lower salinity and Eu at higher salinity. These specific treatments elicited changes in sperm motility and velocity: Pr 20 led to a higher production of O2− and a decrease in velocity, while Eu 40 resulted in reduced motility and an increase in irregular movement. At both lower and higher salinity levels, exposure to Eu caused similar sensitivities in adults and sperm, reflected by comparable IBR scores. In contrast, Pr exposure induced greater alterations in sperm than in adult mussels at lower salinity, whereas the reverse was observed at higher salinity. These findings suggest that reproductive success and population dynamics could be modulated by interactions between salinity levels and REE pollution, highlighting the need for further investigation into how REEs and environmental factors interact. This study offers valuable insights to inform policymakers about the potential risks of REE contamination, emphasising the importance of implementing environmental regulations and developing strategies to mitigate the impact of these pollutants.
Hormones and reproductive cycles in anuran amphibians Rakesh K. Rastogi, Claudia Pinelli, Gianluca Polese, Biagio D'Aniello, Gabriella Chieffi-Baccari Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates Volume 2 Amphibians Second Edition, 2024
HUMAN BIO-MONITORING AND BIO-INDICATORS FOR HEALTH RISK MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATED TO CHRONIC EXPOSURES IN HIGH RADON CONCENTRATION ENVIRONMENTS: A REVIEW Radionuclides Properties Behavior and Potential Health Effects, 2020
Cephalopods meet neuroecology: The role of chemoreception in Octopus vulgaris reproductive behaviour Neuroecology and Neuroethology in Molluscs the Interface Between Behaviour and Environment, 2014
A neuroplastic network underlying behaviour and seasonal change in Lymnaea stagnalis: A neuroecological standpoint Neuroecology and Neuroethology in Molluscs the Interface Between Behaviour and Environment, 2014
