Reproductive strategy of Brachidontes rodriguezii (Bivalvia: Mytiloida) in the South-western Atlantic Ocean

Abstract

This study consisted in the characterization of reproductive aspects such as oocytes morphology, temporal variation in size and frequency of oocytes and the reproductive cycle of the mussel Brachidontes rodriguezii. This species dominates the rocky intertidal coast of Buenos Aires province, Argentine and is a prey item of several exploited species; however, due to the introduction of piers and seawalls, as a consequence of anthropogenic activities, the species also inhabits sandy coasts. Mussels were collected from May 2011 to May 2013. Gonad tissue samples were processed according to standard histological procedures. Four gonadal development stages were described for males and females. According to the significant decrease in the frequency of mature oocytes, the spawning events were detected between February and May. However, some evacuation events were recorded in June – July. This study reports the first record of two modalities of hermaphrodites in this species; individuals with male and female gonads and individuals with both types of gametes within a gonad.