Diadema urchin sperm

[Mr31415]

I was very fortunate when i had happend to have my eye on my reef aquarium when the large Diadema (long spine) urchin started spawning. It released large puffs of white sperm into the water column at regular intervals. This process went on for at least 3 minutes.

I managed to take a sample from the water near his body and here is what I found:

Diadema urchin sperm, 40x, DIC

Diadema urchin sperm, 40x, PC

 

[JaYbIrD1969]

Hey! Its sperm!

 

[ssick92]

Woo! Were they still alive when you were grabbed these shots?

 

[Breadman03]

And just like a dog, one is chasing his tail!

I'm quite impressed by your pictures.

 

[Surgical]

Yep thats sperm alright!!!!! Haha great pics.

 

[ebacon]

amazing how the heads seem to "glow"

 

[Mr31415]

Yep, I grabbed a sample right as the urchin ejected the sperm. They were all wriggling their way around the slide.

@ebacon they seem to glow in the second photo due to the illumination method used - phase contrast. The DIC picture is a bit more "natural".