Reproductive periodicity of the Chiton Acanthopleura hirtosa on intertidal platforms in the Perth area of Western Australia

Abstract

The reproductive periodicity of populations of Acanthopleura hirtosa on three intertidal platforms in the Perth metropolitan area was studied using both gonad indices and histological analysis of gonad tissue. Both methods showed that the animals spawned in a single discrete period from April to June. The largest influx of juveniles into the population occurred from June to August, but recruitment was at a low level, suggesting that the animals survive for at least two years. Reproductive periodicity of A. hirtosa is compared with that known for other chitons.