The Korean Journal of Malacology (한국패류학회지)
- Volume 24 Issue 2
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- Pages.97-104
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- 2008
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- 1225-3480(pISSN)
Reproductive Cycle and First Sexual Maturity of Sinonovacula constricta(Lamarck, 1818)(Bivalvia: Pharidae) in Western Korea
- Kim, Tae-Hoo (Department of Fisheries Science, Graduate School, Kunsan National University) ;
- Lee, Ki-Young (School of Marine Life Science, Kunsan National University)
- Published : 2008.08.31
Abstract
The gonad index, reproductive cycle and first sexual maturity of Sinonovacula constricta collected from Simpo, Kimje-gun, Korea were investigated by histological analysis. The gonad index(GI) in both sexes of S. constricta increased from April and reached a maximum in July when the water temperature rapidly increased. And then, the GI values gradually decreased by spawning from August through October. Monthly variations in the GI showed a close relationship with ovarian development. The reproductive cycle in females and males can be classified into five successive stages: early active stage(March to June), late active stage(May to July), ripe stage(July to September), partially spawned stage(August to October), spent/inactive stage(October to March). The percentage of first sexual maturations in female and male clams of 50.1-60.0 mm in shell length was over 50%, and for clams over 70.1 mm in shell length, it was 100%. Because harvesting clams < 50.1 mm in shell length could potentially cause a drastic reduction in recruitment, a measure including a prohibitory fishing size should be taken for adequate improved fisheries resource management.