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Publication
Reproductive cycle of the European clam Ruditapes decussatus from Óbidos Lagoon, Leiria, Portugal
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
In Portugal, the European clam (Ruditapes decussatus) is an important commercial resource.
Óbidos Lagoon is a strong candidate as a cultivation area to increase European clam exploitation.
However, the reproductive biology of this population has not been described. In this work, the
reproductive cycle of R. decussatus was characterized by determining gonadal development
stages, gonad index, condition index, and biochemical composition. The relationship between
reproduction and environmental parameters (sea surface temperature, chlorophyll a, and particulate
organic matter) was assessed. Ruditapes decussatus had an annual reproductive cycle. The
gametogenic cycle started in late winter, and the ripe stage in spring was followed by spawning
that began at the end of spring/early summer and extended until early autumn. The subsequent
period of sexual rest occurred during the winter. Condition index showed seasonal variations
related to food availability (chlorophyll a). The European clams in Óbidos Lagoon recovered
rapidly after their reproductive period, most likely owing to the availability of food. This study will
help to improve sustainable management of this wild stock and is important for future aquaculture
development of this species.
Description
Keywords
Biochemical composition Bivalve Condition index Gametogenic activity Environmental parameters
Citation
Daniela Machado, Teresa Baptista, Sandra Joaquim, Catarina Anjos, Susana Mendes, Ana Margarete Matias & Domitília Matias (2018) Reproductive cycle of the European clam Ruditapes decussatus from Óbidos Lagoon, Leiria, Portugal, Invertebrate Reproduction & Development, 62:4, 179-190, DOI: 10.1080/07924259.2018.1472671
Publisher
Taylor & Francis