Spermatogenesis and sexual maturation in maleMactra chinensis(Bivalvia: Mactridae) of Korea

Abstract

Abstract Spermatogenesis, the reproductive cycle, and the size at first sexual maturity in male Mactra chinensis were investigated by cytological and histological observations. The spermatozoon exhibits a primitive type morphology and is similar to those of other bivalves in that it contains a short midpiece with four mitochondria surrounding the centrioles. The morphologies of the sperm nucleus type and the acrosome shape of this species are cylindrical and modified cap‐like, respectively. The spermatozoon is approximately 40–45 μm in length including the sperm nucleus (about 1.46 μm), acrosome (about 1.20 μm) and tail flagellum. The axoneme of the sperm tail flagellum consists of nine pairs of microtubules at the periphery and a pair at the center. The axoneme of the sperm tail shows a 9+2 structure. The spawning period of this species lasts from June to September, and the main spawning occurs in July and August, when the seawater temperature is greater than 20°C. The percentage of individual male clams at first sexual maturity was 56.5% for those whose shell lengths were 35.1–40.0 mm, and 100% for over 45.1 mm. Accordingly, harvesting clams <35.1 mm in shell length could potentially cause a drastic reduction in recruitment, and a measure indicating a prohibitory fishing size should be taken for adequate fisheries management.