Abstract
An investigation of the prosobranch snail Brotia hainanensis (Brot, 1872) (Gastropoda: Thiaridae) in Tai Po Kau Forest Stream, New Territories, Hong Kong, has been undertaken with population samples collected at approximately 14-day intervals between August, 1977 and March, 1979. This species shows two peaks of recruitment per annum, one in spring and a second in the latter part of summer. Growth to sexual maturity is rapid, taking approximately 8.5 months, and in this respect, as well as its dual peak of recruitment, B. hainanensis displayed some variation from the iteroparous pattern of life cycles considered to be characteristic of freshwater prosobranch snails. Mortality after the young snails reach maturity is high due to severe seasonal spates in the stream and it is suggested that the modification of the life cycle of B. hainanensis from the type more usually encountered in freshwater prosobranchs reflects that this is an r-selected species adapted to a habitat where high density-independent mortality occurs.
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.
