Histological examination of the gonads of Paracentrotus lividus (LMK, 1816) from the Southern Adriatic coast.

The histological evaluation of the gonads of Paracentrotus lividus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) has been carried out from April to November on specimens sampled along the mid-to-low Adriatic coast. The % of individuals with gonads in active gametogenesis never decreased until 50% also in summer months, when a resting period would be expected. This continuous presence of individuals with an active gametogenesis is very useful in order to set up rearing protocols for a short-term induction of gonad yield and gamete maturation.