Gametogenic cycle of the smooth clam Callista chione on the south-western coast of Portugal

Abstract

The gametogenic cycle of the smooth clam Callista chione off the Arrábida region was studied throughout a 17-month period (from January 2004 to May 2005) using standard histological techniques, mean oocyte diameters and a condition index. This species showed a synchronism between sexes both in terms of gametogenic development and spawning. The results indicated that sex-ratio was not significantly different from parity. In January 2004, the gametogenic cycle had already begun and ended in late October 2004. Three spawning peaks were detected: January–March, April–May and August–October. No resting period was observed and a new gametogenic cycle began in early November, immediately after the spawning period. The analysis of the oocyte diameter enabled predicting the main spawning periods, which appear to be largely governed by seawater temperature. The condition index evolved according to the reproductive cycle of the species, with the highest values being observed prior to the main spawning periods. The size at first maturity estimated for C. chione was 50.81 mm.