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

• Published in: Marine biology research Vol. 8; no. 2; pp. 172 - 181
• Main Authors: Zaidman, Paula C., Kroeck, Marina A., Oehrens Kissner, Erica M., Morsan, Enrique M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01-02-2012
• Subjects: Marine; muslinger; Panopea abbreviata; reproduksjon; PSW, Argentina, Chubut, San Matias Gulf; PSW, Argentina, Patagonia
• ISSN: 1745-1000; 1745-1019
• DOI: 10.1080/17451000.2011.605145

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.