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In some echinoderms, the lunar phases have been reported as synchronizers of spawning. Ophiocomella alexandri is an ophiuroid that presents external fecundation with nocturnal spawning; it has photosensitivity due to the presence of chromatophores associated with the aboral plates of its arms, allowing them to perceive the presence or absence of ambient light (photoperiod). The objective of this study was to determine if the full/new moon influence the spawning of O. alexandri in Bahía de La Paz, BCS. We worked with samples collected at Punta Calerita in the Bahía de La Paz, from July 2015 to June 2016 with sampling one day before and one day after the full and new moon. We obtained monthly biometrics to evaluate the gonadosomatic index and condition factor. The histological process allows to describe the reproductive cycle in both sexes. We considered the relative spawning frequency to determine the influence of the moon, applying an analysis of variance (ANOVA one way) with the full and new moon as the factor. We obtained the histograms of frequencies of the total weight of the organisms and the diameter of the disk, with averages of 5.46 g (± 0.11e.e.) and 13.49 mm (± 7.38x10-6 e.e.), respectively. The weight-length relationship W=aLb, b= 2.09 and a= 0.02 (r= 0.82) was determined. Furthermore, the gonadosomatic index shows a tendency to increase in accordance with the increase of temperature; contrary to the condition factor. In addition, the description of the reproductive cycle for both sexes is shown. From January to March a greater proportion of undifferentiated organisms was found whereas August and September presented the highest frequencies of spawning. Finally, the spawning frequencies in relation to the lunar phase are presented.

Palabras clave: Echinoderms; Reproduction; synchronization; moon; photosensitivity

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