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Reproduction and size at first maturity in a Mediterranean exploited Callista chione bivalve bed
Eve Galimany, Marc Baeta, Mercè Durfort, Jordi Lleonart, Montserrat Ramón

The smooth clam Callista chione is an Atlantic-Mediterranean species that is commercially exploited in several European countries. Several aspects of its reproduction were studied in a coastal location of the northwestern Mediterranean as a tool for sustainable fisheries management. Gonadal development was classified into 6 different stages, ranging from immature to degradation of the remaining sexual structures. Results showed that C. chione was able to reproduce throughout the year but a main spawning period occurred in spring. First records of hermaphrodites were found for this species. The mature spermatozoa measured 4.70±0.66 µm (without the flagellum), including a very short acrosome of 0.75±0.09 µm. The mid-piece of the spermatozoa had a mitochondrial sheath composed of five mitochondria. Ripe oocytes ranged from 60 to 80 µm in length. Size at first maturity (SL50) was estimated for the first time in a Mediterranean population, showing values of 30.26 mm in 2005-2006 but only 21.45 mm in 2014.

Keywords: gonads; first maturity; hermaphroditism; Veneridae; commercial mollusks
Contents of this volume Sci. Mar. 79(2) : 233-242 Back PDF
 
 
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