Vital staining of Patiria miniata larvae

Larvae and unfertilized eggs of the California sea star Patiria miniata (Brandt) were exposed to 3 stains: Nile Blue Sulfate, Neutral Red and Rhodamine B. Concentration of the stains was 5 or 10 ppm, and length of exposure 5, 10 or 20 min. None of the stains were toxic, and Nile Blue Sulfate was found to be the best tested for retention of stain over long periods of time. This method is suggested for studies of development, growth, survival and dispersal of sea-star larvae in the plankton and in laboratory studies.Contribution No. 38, Pacific Marine Station, Dillon Beach, California, USA.