Gametogenic cycle of the transplanted-cultured pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata martensii (Bivalvia: Pteriidae) in Korea

The gonadal development and gametogenic cycle of transplanted-cultured pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata martensii, were investigated using individuals collected monthly from Tong-Young along the south coast of Korea from October 2000 to September 2001. The result of monthly change of condition index was similar to tissue weight rate. The highest value was observed in June and the lowest value was observed in November. The gonad of the pearl oyster was located around the digestive diverticula. The ripe testis was milky white while the ovary was light brown. The spawning period of the pearl oyster extended from April to August, with a peak between June and July. The gametogenic cycle could be classified into five successive stages: multiplicative stage (November to February), growing stage (January to March), mature stage (March and April), spawning stage (April to August) and resting stage (September to November).     

Reproductive biology of Venus clam Gafrarium tumidum (Roding, 1798) from Southeast coast of India

The reproductive biology of tumid venus clam Gafrarium tumidum (Roding) was studied in detail from the Southeast coast of India. Sample size ranged from 10.3 to 41.3 mm. Sexes are separate but not differentiated externally. Annual sex ratio male:female (M:F) deviated significantly from the 1:1 ratio with females dominating. Based on ova diameter progression of gonad smear and histology, four and two maturity stages of gonads were differentiated in female and male clams, respectively. Peak spawning was observed during November and a minor one in April. The monthly average condition index based on wet/dry flesh weight ranged from 7.24 (November) and 14.14 (September) and 8.82 (October) and 14.38 (August), respectively. The condition index observed by both the methods is comparable and corresponds with the spawning season. Water content observed for male and female clams varied negligibly and showed positive correlation with spawning period. Size at first maturity was estimated to be 22.3 mm.     

Seasonal gonadal changes in the clam, Paphia laterisulca

The seasonal gonadal changes in the edible clam, Paphia laterisulca, from the Kalbadevi Estuary at Ratnagiri were studied for the period from May 1972 to April 1973 with the help of fresh gonad smears and histological study. The observations of gonad smears revealed the probable commencement of spawning between September and April from the occurrence of spent gonads. Male and female clams were present in almost equal numbers throughout the year.Histological details revealed that the clam P. laterisulca has a prolonged spawning period extending from mid-September to the end of March with two peaks, the first in October–November and the second in February–March. Lysis of the ripe gametes in both sexes for 2.5 months preceding spawning was observed. The second spawning peak was followed by regression in the gonads.Active gametogenesis was observed in May and June (33.5°C and 30.0°C), and again in December and January (21.5°C and 26.0°C) in clams that had spawned during the first spawning peak.The spawning stimulus in Paphia laterisulca appeared to be the sudden increase in salinity (from 4.1 to 22.5‰) in September in the Kalbadevi Estuary.     

Effect of geographic origin, temperature and timing of broodstock collection on conditioning, spawning success and larval viability of Ruditapes decussatus (Linné, 1758)

Culture of Ruditapes decussatus is clearly limited by the availability of seed, as this production proceeds almost exclusively from natural recruitment. Artificial spawning and larval rearing programs could provide an alternative source of spat. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of different conditioning temperatures on the broodstock maturation, spawning success and larval viability of two geographically (north and south of the Iberian Peninsula) distinct populations of European clam (R. decussatus) collected at different periods of the year in order to create “optimal” artificial spawning and larval rearing programs. Two batches of clams from each population were collected in October and February, and conditioned at 18 ± 1°C, 20 ± 1°C and 22 ± 1°C. Of the three variables analysed the timing of broodstock collection was the most determining factor for gametogenic development, spawning and larval rearing. Geographic origin and conditioning temperature also greatly affected the spawning. The results also showed that the February conditioning was more effective than October and that the best conditioning temperatures were 20 ± 1°C and 22 ± 1°C for the northern and southern populations, respectively. These results suggest that the efficient conditioning temperature for each population of the same species is related to the seasonal temperature regime from their geographic origin. Larval viability and growth performance seemed to be independent of the broodstock conditioning.     

Influence of the gametogenic cycle on the biochemical composition of the ovary of the great scallop

The oogenic cycle and biochemical composition of the ovary of raft-cultured great scallop (Pecten maximus) were studied during the period April 1990–July 1991. The ovary condition index (FGI) and stereological studies showed the existence of two principal spawning periods, winter and late spring-early summer. No sexual resting period was found. Oocyte lysis was high throughout the year. Ovarian lipid levels displayed a clear seasonal pattern linked to the gametogenic cycle. Total lipid (TL, 16–21% dry weight), acylglycerol (AG, 20–65% TL) and free sterol (FS, 2.8–6.4% TL) levels were, generally, higher in the ripe ovary and a decrease coincided with spawning. Protein (59–63% dry weight), glycogen (<3% dry weight) and phospholipid (PL, 26–35% TL) levels showed no clear seasonal trend. The TL and AG were a good index of ovarian sexual maturity. The TL % of dry weight) correlated well with the female gonad condition index (r _s = 0.779, p < 0.001), and AG (% f TL) correlated well with the mean oocyte diameter (r _s = 0.630, p < 0.01) and the female gonad condition index (r _s = 0.443, p < 0.05).     

Certain reproductive characteristics of the freshwater mussel Unio terminalis delicates (Lea, 1863) in Gölbaşı Lake, Turkey

The aquaculture potential of Unio terminalis has been considered, but is hindered by a lack of knowledge about the reproductive characteristics that promote yields. The present study describes the seasonal reproductive cycle, gonad structure and sex ratio of the freshwater mussel U. terminalis. A total of 695 individuals were collected in monthly samples from October 2004 to September 2005 in Gölba?ι Lake, Turkey. Calculation of the gonadosomatic index and histological examination of the gonads showed that gametogenesis began in winter, and spawning occurred in summer and early autumn. Five stages of oogenesis and five stages of spermatogenesis were identified. Spermatogenesis followed a pattern similar to that of typical oogenesis. The population consisted of dioecious individuals. Although sex ratios of U. terminalis were not significantly different from the expected 1:1 ratio (P>0.05), slightly female‐biased sex ratios were recorded. These results and existing data on mussel meat, phytoplankton production, availability of mussel spat, water quality and growth performance suggest that U. terminalis would be a great source for use in future aquaculture attempts.     

Gonad development, larval settlement and growth of Mytilus edulis L. in a suspended population in Hvalfjördur, south-west Iceland

Annual cycles of gamete development in Mytilus edulis L. in south-west Iceland were investigated during 1986 to 1987. Histological preparations of the gonads showed that all individuals were fully mature in the beginning of June in both years and one spawning period was recorded each year at a sea temperature of 10-12^oC. The main spawning took place from the middle of July to the middle of August, and from the middle of June to the end of July in 1986 and 1987, respectively. Redevelopment of the gonads after spawning was observed in February when both food availability, measured as chlorophyll a concentration, and temperature were low. Rapid gonad maturation took place during the spring phytoplankton bloom in March-April. Larval settlement was heavy on the artificial collectors used. The length of the larval period was estimated as being 4-5 weeks and peak settlement occurred in the middle of September. The size of the early plantigrades settling on the collectors during the study period indicated direct settlement of mussel larvae from the plankton onto the collectors. One year after settlement the spat averaged 24.6 mm ± 6.0 (SD) shell length and two years after settlement a market size of 50.8 mm ± 5.7 (SD) was reached. Growth was correlated with food availability, measured as chlorophyll a concentration. The growth season lasted from March to October with the greatest shell growth in late summer. The results showed that the growth of M. edulis was markedly increased by suspending the animals in a more favourable environment than that found on the natural mussel beds.     

Multiple spawning and related variations in female reproductive parameters of amphidromous type ayu

Adult ayu Plecoglossus altivelis were sampled from the Nezugaseki River, Yamagata Prefecture to investigate the reproductive parameters and analyze their variations related to multiple spawning. Ovarian histology (mainly based on the occurrence of postovulatory follicles) indicated that female ayu can be divided into four groups, which are considered to correspond with unspawned, once spawned, twice spawned, and three (or more) times spawned individuals. Comprehensive analysis of the ovarian state with field surveys revealed that most of the female ayu achieve second spawning and that third spawning is very common in this river. Mean relative batch fecundity (RBF) for the second, third, and fourth spawning indicated 69, 42, and 22%, respectively, of the value for the first spawning, showing a decline with the number of spawning batches. Mean gonadosomatic index (GSI) values of non-ovulating fish showed a similar decline during the main spawning period (October). Condition factor (without gonads) during autumn also decreased with the number of batches spawned, suggesting that multiple spawning is achieved partly by transfer of body mass nutrients to the ovary. Size dependency in reproductive parameters such as occurrence of the multiple spawning, RBF values, and GSI values of the unspawned fish, was not evident except for GSI values in early September (generally during the early phases of ovarian development), when larger fish had larger GSI.     

Reproductive biology of pink dentex Dentex gibbosus (Rafinesque) from the Adriatic Sea, Croatia

A 4‐year study (May 1997–December 2000) of the reproductive biology of pink dentex Dentex gibbosus (Rafinesque) from the Adriatic Sea revealed that this species is a rudimentary hermaphrodite. The smallest mature males and females captured were 38.70 cm in total length (T_L) and 39.80 cm in total length (T_L) respectively. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated for the entire population were: L_∞=107.24, K=0.12 and t₀=−0.90. Fifty per cent of the population were sexually mature at 41.50 cm T_L, while 100% of the specimens were sexually mature at 57.00 cm T_L. Both monthly gonadosomatic index and macroscopically determined gonad stages strongly indicate that the pink dentex from the Adriatic Sea spawn partially in August, September and October. The mean value of absolute fecundity (F) was 1672 × 10⁶ eggs. The results of great fertility of the pink dentex, partial spawning and relatively late sexual maturation suggest that the pink dentex has a high potential for commercial culture.     

Reproduction, condition and mortality of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg) in Sonora, México

Starting in 1997, mortality outbreaks in cultured oysters Crassostrea gigas have been reported in northwestern México. Previous studies have shown that massive die‐offs result from multi‐factor processes related to reproduction of the species. We studied the reproductive cycle and the condition index of cultured oysters in the coastal lagoon of El Soldado, Sonora, as well as the relationship of the life cycle with environmental parameters. We used oocyte diameter to determine reproductive stages and the condition index to describe the physiological state of oysters. Additionally, the temperature, salinity, seston and chlorophyll a were recorded at the study site. The results showed that C. gigas began accelerated reproductive activity in March under the influence of high temperature and increased concentrations of food. No spawning events were recorded and gametes were reabsorbed within the gonad in September and October. The results showed a period of nutrient storage during autumn–winter and another period of gamete production in spring–summer. A mortality event occurred at the end of winter, tied to significant increases in temperature and availability of food and in accelerated reproductive activity and high condition index. These conditions were very similar to those reported in other countries during summer die‐offs of C. gigas.     

Annual changes in ovarian development and plasma estradiol-17β level in reared female common Japanese conger, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Conger myriaster</Emphasis>

ABSTRACT:   Annual changes in the gonadosomatic index (GSI), oocyte diameter, gonadal histology and plasma estradiol-17β (E₂) levels were investigated in female common Japanese conger Conger myriaster in captivity. Juveniles were caught in September 1999 and reared in seawater at temperatures ranging from 10–20°C for 3 years. All fish were immature when captured in September 1999. GSI and oocyte diameter increased from October 2000, peaked between summer and autumn 2001, and bottomed-out in winter 2001. Plasma E₂ level also increased from October 2000, but remained high. The ovarian developmental stage was at the peri-nucleolus stage or the oil droplet stage until September 2000. Vitellogenesis started in October 2000 and oocytes progressed to the tertiary yolk globule stage by summer 2001. However, vitellogenic oocytes regressed in all females after autumn 2001. The neogenetic oocytes began to increase after November 2001 and ovarian development progressed in 2002 as they did in 2001, although maximum GSI in 2002 was half its 2001 value. These data indicate that ovarian development in the common Japanese conger has an annual periodicity, and that these congers may be able to spawn in multiple years under rearing condition.     

Spawning frequency of the Tsushima Current subpopulation of chub mackerel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scomber japonicus</Emphasis> off Kyushu,Japan

Female Japanese chub mackerel Scomber japonicus of the Tsushima Current subpopulation were collected during the spawning season from March to May 2001. A total of 137 adult females were caught between midnight and daybreak. A considerable number of fish displayed new postovulatory follicles (POF), whereas there was no evidence of germinal vesicle breakdown or hydrated oocytes in any of the fish collected. This suggests a daily spawning synchronicity toward midnight. To estimate the spawning frequency (S), the female reproductive state was classified into four criteria based on the degenerative stage of the POFs and the developmental stage of the oocytes. To stage the POFs according to age and determine the stage duration, ovaries from S. japonicus were induced to spawn in the laboratory and were sampled 0–72 h after ovulation at appropriate intervals. The average S, which is evaluated from four different indices, was 16.9%, corresponding to the average female chub mackerel spawned every 5.9 days (8.5 times) during the 50 days.     

山东沿海脉红螺的性腺发育和生殖周期

为阐明脉红螺的繁殖生物学特性,于2012年3月至2013年2月对中国山东荣成靖海湾的脉红螺(Rapana venosa)的生殖周期及其与环境因子的关系进行了研究。组织学观察表明,脉红螺全年只有1个生殖周期,且雌雄配子同步发育,其性腺发育过程可分为5个时期:形成期,增殖期,成熟期,排放期,恢复期。配子发生始于9月,大部分个体在5月至6月成熟,排放的高峰期为7月。条件指数和平均卵径随配子发生而增大,成熟期达到最高值,产卵后减少。雌雄比例整体符合自然界性比为1∶1的自然规律。环境因子的分析结果表明,水温和叶绿素a含量存在明显的季节变化,而盐度无明显季节变化。相关性分析表明,水温与叶绿素a含量显著正相关(P0.05)。研究结果丰富了脉红螺的繁殖生物学资料,对脉红螺野生资源的管理保护、开发利用提供了重要的科学依据。     

Relationships among environment, spawning and settlement of Queen scallop in the Ría de Arosa (Galicia, NW Spain)

This study examines the relationship of the reproductive and reserve storage cycles and spat settlement of the Queen scallop (Aequipecten opercularis) to environmental factors. The possibility of farming this species from spat settled on collectors is considered. The gonad condition index shows maximum values between mid-May and early August. Another peak occurs in mid-November. In spring and summer, the energy needed for gametogenesis is derived from food, although it is possible that direct transfer may occur from the digestive gland to the gonad. The glycogen and lipid content of the reserve organs reaches maximum values between late summer and early autumn. The energy requirements related to gametogenesis, which begins in autumn, involve the consumption of accumulated reserves with the resulting reduction in the condition indices. There is a positive correlation between temperature and the condition indices of the digestive gland, the adductor muscle and their lipid and glycogen content, respectively. Two settlement periods were recorded, one in winter, which could not be associated with the spawning of the experimental animals, and another in summer, which coincided with the spawning that took place in spring. The reduced gonad indices recorded at the end of the summer and in winter did not lead to settlement.     

The reproductive biology of the Indian oyster Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston): II. Gametogenic cycle and biochemical levels

Changes in the biochemical levels of the adductor muscle, mantle and gonad during the fist gametogenic cycle of Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston) indicate a major conversion of reserve nutrients (carbohydrate and lipid) into gamete material. The main reserve nutrient, carbohydrate, is stored primarily in the gonad before the commencement of the first gametogenic cycle. It is inferred that the development of the gonad in the second gametogenic cycle is directly dependent on the nutrients derived from food sources.     

Gametogenic cycle and variations in oocyte size of Tapes philippinarum from the Lagoon of Venice

The gametogenic cycle of the clam Tapes philippinarum was studied in two populations from different areas of the Lagoon of Venice: S. Angelo (central basin) and Chioggia (southern basin). Samples were collected at regular intervals from July 2000 to July 2001. The study was performed by microscopic observations of histological sections of gonadic tissue and by measuring follicular and oocyte sizes by image analysis. Gametogenesis began in January and was clearly evident until May. Ripe clams appeared in April, and most active spawning occurred in May, continuing during summer until September. Measurements performed using image analysis (i.e., follicular area, percentage of reproductive tissue, oocyte diameter, percentage of resorbing area) highlighted environmental differences between the two sampling sites, demonstrating the better condition of clams from Chioggia.     

Spawning of the Temperate Sea Cucumber,Australostichopus mollis (Levin)

The spawning of sea cucumbers is related to the interaction of environmental cues and reproductive maturity. Groups of Australostichopus mollis were collected every 2 wk during the summer reproductive season from mid‐October to early February. They were observed for spawning in the hatchery during heat‐shock trials conducted 3–5 C above ambient seawater temperature. Lunar periodicity existed with spawning being most prominent in the week following a full moon. In the week prior to a spawning event, there was also a decrease in ambient incoming seawater temperature. More than 75% individuals spawned during most trials in which spawning occurred. In total, 40% of the 270 individuals spawned during the reproductive season. Reliable spawners were females with a yellow gonad color and large numbers of vitellogenic oocytes, and males with large numbers of spermatocytes and an absence of motile spermatozoa. Furthermore, the percentage germinal vesicle breakdown of oocytes exposed to starfish radial nerve extract compared to seawater was greater for the more orange‐colored gonad of nonspawners. Gonad color is useful in determining the likelihood of spawning over a 2‐wk period in the presence of a cue. Sea cucumbers held for short periods in the hatchery during the reproductive season maintain a natural rhythm of spawning that can be monitored using visual indices and augmented using heat shock.     

Annual reproductive cycle of the greasyback shrimp Metapenaeus ensis in Ise Bay,Japan

The greasyback shrimp Metapenaeus ensis is widely distributed along the coast of India and the West Pacific where it is an important fisheries species. We have examined seasonal changes in ovarian development, spermatogenesis, and mating of Me. ensis in histological studies and by external observations on specimens collected in Ise Bay, its northernmost habitat. Ovaries were found to be previtellogenic from February to May, with the first signs of development being the accumulation of yolk in oocytes in late May. Ovarian shadow ratios were high during the period late July to mid-September. The formation of cortical rods in the peripheries of oocytes and germinal vesicle breakdown were observed in ovaries from late June to September. Male shrimps had sperm in the testes during the period early June to early October, and female shrimps had spermatophores in spermatheca after early July. In late July, some post-spawn female shrimps had exogenous vitellogenic oocytes in their ovaries, indicating that ovarian development had been repeated in preparation for the next spawning. Ovarian shadow ratios, which were positively correlated with gonadosomatic indices and ovarian development, seem to be a useful marker to determine ovarian development. Our results indicate that mating in Me. ensis started in early July and that the spawning season ranged from July to September with more than two cycles of spawning in Ise Bay.

     

Gonad development and spawning in Anadara granosa (L.) (Bivalvia: Arcidae)

A study of gonad development and spawning in Anadara granosa (L.) from the west coast of West Malaysia was carried out between September 1977 and November 1978 based on (a) changes in the condition of the whole animal and (b) histological changes in the gonad. Gonads did not develop until a length of 17.5 mm had been attained and the first spawning probably occurred at a length of 24–25 mm. There was evidence of a low level of spawning activity throughout the year but the largest size group spawned in October in 2 consecutive years. There was inconclusive evidence for a second spawning in May/June. A condition index of dry/wet weight of tissue adequately reflected spawning in specimens longer than 30 mm. There was no deviation from a 1 : 1 ratio of males to females in any of the size classes studied.     

钝缀锦蛤繁殖周期和胚胎发育

2013年8月至2014年7月,采用组织学和实验生态学方法对钝缀锦蛤(Tapes conspersus)的性腺发育、生殖周期、肥满度、胚胎和幼虫发育进行了研究。结果显示,钝缀锦蛤性腺发育以1年为1个周期,性腺发育过程可分为增殖期、生长期、成熟期、排放期和休止期5个时期;繁殖期在每年10月至翌年3月,繁殖盛期为3月、10月和11月(水温20.3~24.6℃),分批产卵。8月肥满度最高,为33.43%;4月最低,为18.31%。钝缀锦蛤卵径为70~80μm;在水温24~26℃、盐度28~32条件下,受精卵经16 h左右发育为D形幼虫;初孵D形幼虫大小为90~110μm,浮游幼虫经7~8 d培育进入附着变态期,此时壳长为210~230μm,再经4~5 d发育变态为稚贝。本研究为钝缀锦蛤的人工繁育及种质资源保护和利用提供了基础资料。