Investigating the reproductive biology of Anemonia viridis (Forsskål, 1775) (Cnidaria, Hexacorallia) in the Central-Western Mediterranean Sea, a step towards domestication

Knowledge of the reproductive biology of the snakelock anemone ( Anemonia viridis ) is necessary to ensure a science-based management and to develop the biotechnologies of aquaculture of cnidarians. This study investigates the reproductive biology of A. viridis collected in the shallow rocky-bottom substrates of the South-Eastern Sardinian seas (Central-Western Mediterranean Sea) at depths between 1 and 5 m. A total of 200 samples with a pedal disc ranging from 6.1 mm to 40.7 mm were histologically examined and sectioned to assess the reproductive activity individually. Female anemones were significantly more abundant than males and exhibited asynchronous oocyte development both within and among individuals. Oocyte diameter data suggested an extended reproductive cycle from February to June, with peaks in March and April. The smallest mature female and male had a pedal disc of 9.7 mm and 13.2 mm, respectively. Our results indicated that temperature was not the main driver of gametogenesis; instead, oocyte maturation was principally linked to the increased primary production in the water, thus correlating with potential higher food availability. Due to the high variability in the spawning period across different geographic areas of the studied species, regional (local) fishing regulations for A. viridis should be considered, with a proposed closed season between March and April when spawning peaks occur in the Sardinian populations.