Reproductive pattern of the clams, Ruditapes decussatus and R. philippinarum on intertidal flats in Brittany

Abstract

Since the introduction of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum (Mollusca: Bivalvia) to aquaculture clam beds, this species has spread to several sites. As a result, an extensive fishery has developed around this species. Its reproductive cycle and that of a native clam species, Ruditapes decussatus (Mollusca: Bivalvia) from two Brittany sites are examined here and the seasonal variations in the condition index, the scale of maturation stages, the histology and the oocyte size-frequencies of both species are compared. The differences observed between the species and between sites were attributed to environmental conditions. Ruditapes philippinarum showed a more extended breeding period and a greater number of spawning events than R. decussatus. In the Morbihan Gulf, the reproductive activity of R. philippinarum appeared particularly great in terms of number of spawning events, and speed of maturation. For both species, synchronism was more apparent during the first maturation, while spawning, and particularly partial spawning, tended to decrease the level of synchronization.