Primary Assay — Purple Sea Urchin
Larval Swimming
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
Pluteus larvae swim using ciliated bands and exhibit phototaxis and gravitaxis. Swim speed, turning rate, and vertical distribution quantify larval behavior.
Quantitative Output
Measured Parameters
Every parameter is automatically tracked frame-by-frame in the ConductVision pipeline for Strongylocentrotus purpuratus.
| Parameter | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Swim speed | µm/s | Larval velocity |
| Turning rate | deg/s | Heading change |
| Vertical distribution | % | Surface vs bottom |
| Phototactic index | ratio | Light-zone occupancy |
References
Citations for Larval Swimming
- Pennington JT, Emlet RB. (1986). Ontogenetic and diel vertical migration of a planktonic echinoid larva. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol, 104, 69-95.
Compatible Equipment
Hardware for Purple Sea Urchin Research
Aquarium Behavioral Chamber (Marine)
Adult urchin assays
Larval Tracking Plate (Microscopy)
Pluteus swimming analysis
Shadow Stimulus Arena
Photic reflex testing
Righting-Test Platform
Standardized motor assay
Multi-Channel pH/Temperature Logger
Toxicology and OA studies
Related Assays
Other Purple Sea Urchin Primary Assays
16
Righting Response
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
Inverted urchins re-attach via tube feet and right themselves through coordinated podia and spine action. Righting laten…
16
Locomotion (Tube-Foot)
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
Urchins crawl on hundreds of tube feet. Crawl speed and direction quantify integrative motor output and respond to neuro…
16
Spine Reflex
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
Touching spines elicits coordinated bending toward the stimulus. Reflex amplitude and habituation index the radial nerve…
Run Larval Swimming on ConductVision
Our team will configure the protocol, camera rig, and analysis pipeline for your purple sea urchin facility.
