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Biol Bull 165: 559-568. (December 1983)
© 1983 Marine Biological Laboratory
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THE BIOLOGY OF FISSURELLA MAXIMA SOWERBY (MOLLUSCA: ARCHAEOGASTROPODA) IN NORTHERN CHILE. 2. NOTES ON ITS REPRODUCTION

MARTA BRETOS 1, ITALO TESORIERI 1, and LUIS ALVAREZ 1

1 Centro de Investigaciones Marinas, Universidad Del Norte Sede Iquique.

For 14 months, monthly samples were collected to study reproduction in Fissurella maxima at Huayquique. Results indicate that F. maxima is a dioecious species; no sign of hermaphroditism has been observed. The sex ratio is 1:1 in the different size classes analyzed. Ovaries are green and testis are median brown to yellowish white. Eggs in the ovary measure from 120-280 µ without envelopes. The gonads are parasitized by adult digenea trematods of the genus Proctoeces. Some effects of parasitism are discussed.

Variations in mean monthly gonadosomatic index suggest that there is a main spawning period in late November-December (late spring-early summer) and a secondary period in July-August(winter). Fluctuations in mean gonad index show a close correlation with sea water temperature variations.

The youngest mature specimens detected were about 5 cm in shell length (over two years old), but the majority of mature animals were over 6.5 cm.

Submitted on July 8, 1983
Accepted on August 29, 1983






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Copyright © 1983 by the Marine Biological Laboratory.