Reproductive pattern of Southern geoduck, Panopea abbreviata, at El Sótano (San Matías Gulf, Patagonia, Argentina).

ZAIDMAN, PAULA CECILIA; KROECK, MARINA; OEHRENS KISSNER, ERICA; MORSAN, ENRIQUE M.

MARINE BIOLOGY RESEARCH

TAYLOR & FRANCIS AS

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2012 vol. 8 p. 172 - 181

1745-1000

The reproductive cycle of the southern geoduck (Panopea abbreviata) in a northern Patagonian population was studied throughout a 24-month period (April 2006_April 2008) using standard histological techniques and quantitative indicators (oocyte diameter distribution, oocytes per ocular field and relative oocyte area). P. abbreviata exhibits a reproductive pattern characterized, in both sexes, by a continuous proliferation and spawning throughout the year. This is similar to that described in southern geoduck populations and is unique to this genus. Quantitative indicators allowed us to elucidate a slight seasonality in the reproductive cycle: a more pronounced spawning during warm months and gamete accumulation during could months. This article describes the first record of hermaphroditic individuals (n=4) for P. abbreviata.