• Animal cells and systems
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 2004

Reproductive cycle and spawning rhythm with lunar cycle of the ascidian, Halocynthia hilgendorfi ritteri were investigated by histological examination. The specimens were sampled in the coastal waters of Yongdam, northwest of Jeju Island, Korea, from November 2001 to January 2003. H. hilgendorfi ritteri is a synchronous hermaphrodite; the gonads are located in the mantle. The reproductive cycle can be grouped into the following successive stages in the ovary: growth (February to June), vitellogenesis (April to September), mature (July to December), spent (November to February), and recovery (December to April). Likewise, in the testis, the stages observed were: growth (October), mature (October to December), spent (November to February), and resting (January to September). Major spawning probably occurs between November and January, when water temperatures decrease. The histological observations of the gonads suggested that this species is a multiple spawner during the spawning period. Spawning occurred between the new moon and full moon, and again between the full moon and new moon, suggesting that the spawning rhythm is influenced by the lunar cycle.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.98-104
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• 2004

Early development and metamorphosis of the ascidian (Halocynthia hilgendorfi ritteri) were investigated from fertilized egg. The samples were collected in the coastal waters of Yongdam, northwest of Jeju Island in November 2002. H. hilgendorfi ritteri was solitary ascidian and produced spheral eggs with egg size ranging from $0.33\pm0.01\;mm.$ On the outer surface of the vitelline coat are attached many follicle cells. At $21.0\pm0.5^{\circ}C$ of water temperature, first cleavage took place in about 1.5 hrs after fertilization, and gastrulation followed in about 12.5 hrs. The formation of tailbud embryos and free swimming larvae were observed 13.3 hrs and 20.5 hrs after fertilization, respectively. The size of newly hatched tadpole larva was 1.30-1.45 mm, the larva swam for 2 hrs to 14 hrs. At 4 hrs after hatching, the palpi were lost and tail absorption began with an abrupt rupture of the anterior end of the notochord. At 17-18 hrs after hatching, tail completely absorption and remained trunk. The coniform adhesive papilla began protrusion at 30 hrs after hatching. The oral and atrial siphon formed at 6-7 days after settlement. At 17-18 days after settlement, metamorphosed the larvae developed into protoascidian of which the external morphology was similar to their adult.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Developmental Biology Conference
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• 2004.07a
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• pp.38-39
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• 2004