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

Abstract

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.

Published in collaboration with the University of Bergen and the Institute of Marine Research, Norway, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Published in collaboration with the University of Bergen and the Institute of Marine Research, Norway, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Acknowledgements

Financial support provided under PNUD ARG 02/018 – GEF No. 28.385. We appreciate the technical support of Nestor Dieu, Sandro Acosta, Pablo Sacco, Matías Gaitán and Francisco Ramos during onboard and laboratory activities.

Notes

Published in collaboration with the University of Bergen and the Institute of Marine Research, Norway, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Denmark