Composition biochimique et contenu énergétique du tégument de l’holothurie Neopentadactyla mixta (Echinodermata)

Biochemical composition and energy content of the body wall of the holothuroid Neopentadactyla mixta (Echinodermata) The body wall of an average individual of Neopentadactyla mixta (mean weight of body wall: 1539 ± 465 mg dry wt; range: 541 to 2394 mg dry wt; number of individuals: 50; period of sampling: March 1986 to February 1987) consists of 74% ash-free organic matter which corresponds to ca. 17.4 kJ g dry wt. The obtained results suggest the total energy content of the body wall increases from the end of the hibernation period up to the starting of the gonadal growth and decreases from the latter period up to the end of the next hibernation period. It is suggested N. mixta uses part of the energy content of its body wall for reproduction, and that the energy cost of the hibernation period could be entirely supported by the integument.