Abstract
The gonadal maturation of Atrina maura was examined by means of histological analysis and quantitative criteria. Particular features not previously described for this species are reported in this study: in both males and females the undifferentiated stage is absent and there is massive gamete resorption when the seawater temperature reaches 25°C; in males, there is continuous spawning concurrent with other gonadal development stages and the adipogranular cells surrounding the acini walls decrease with testis ripeness, which suggests they play an energetic role. Atresia displayed two stages: cytoplasmic structures with oocyte degeneration and digestion by hemocytes. The oocyte diameter was larger than that reported for cultured specimens. Size at first maturity was reached at 23.3 cm in shell height (SH) (12.2 cm in shell length, SL) in females and 22.8 cm SH (12.0 cm SL) in males.
Highlights
Pinnids, commonly called fan mussels or pen shells, are considered a delicacy in many countries
This study describes some histological features of the gonadal maturation of A. maura and investigates the relationship between gonadal maturation and seawater temperature in Ensenada de La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
The epibionts were cleaned off the specimens and the shell height (SH, in line straight distance from umbo to ventral margin of the shell) and shell length (SL, in line straight distance from anterior margin to posterior margin of the shell) were measured (±1 mm), as well as the total weight (TW) and flesh weight (FW) (±0.1 g)
Summary
Commonly called fan mussels or pen shells, are considered a delicacy in many countries (including Mexico and in Asia). Some species of the Pinnidae family have declined worldwide or are seriously threatened, which justifies including them in the listing of fully protected species (Cabanellas-Reboredo et al 2009). It is not yet the case for A. maura in Mexico, the catches of this species are increasing and there is no fishery management regulation. As a result of the growing commercial demand for species of the Pinnidae family, most studies on these bivalves have focused on fishery assessment and development of mass culturing techniques (Kennedy et al 2001, Lora-Vilchis et al 2004, Safi et al 2007).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
