The abundance of echinoderm larvae, in particular sea cucumber larvae, was assessed in the lagoon of Toliara Great Reef in southwest Madagascar from December 2000 to May 2002. More than 9000 echinoderm larvae were collected, 33% of which came from sea cucumbers. Mean larval density varied greatly depending on the season. Sea cucumber larvae were most abundant during the hot season (November to April) with an average of 77 larvae per 350 m3 as compared to 1 larva per 350 m3 during the cool season (May to October). Sea cucumber larvae were found in large numbers at the time temperatures dropped, accounting for 50% of the total number of echinoderm larvae observed. Sea cucumber larvae were not found in the plankton from June to October. Three different families of sea cucumbers were observed: Holothuriidae, Stichopodidae and Synaptidae. Holothuriidae were the most numerous, accounting for 86% of all sea cucumber larvae collected.
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