• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.65-73
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• 2004

Gametogenesis, changes of gonad bulk index (GBI), monthly variation in oocyte diameter, reproductive cycle and spawning with lunar cycle of the top shell, Trochus niloticus were investigated by histological examination. The specimens were sampled in the coastal waters of Chuuk Island, Micronesia, form November 1999 to September 2000. T. niloticus is a gonochorism, and the female and male were present in an approximately 1:1 ratio (p > 0.05). The ovary contained with the oocyte of yolk stage, the testis composed of the spermatid and spermatozoa at around the year. Monthly GBI were higher at February, March, April and June than the other months. Major spawning occurred between April and May, and June and July but the individuals of partially spawning were presented throughout the year. GBI with lunar cycle were higher at the full moon than the other lunar phase. These results suggest that the spawning occurred between the full moon and last quarter moon.