G. Darrigran et al., The reproductive cycle of Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) (Mytilidae) from a neotropical temperate locality, J SHELLFISH, 18(2), 1999, pp. 361-365
Limnoperna fortunei is a dioecious, freshwater mytilid native to Asia. The
reproductive biology of this invasive species is analyzed for the first tim
e in its neotropical habitat. About 35 specimens were processed monthly usi
ng standard histological techniques (sections similar to 6 mu m thick). The
size of mussels at sexual maturity varied seasonally. From June to October
, sex differentiated at 5-6 nlm shell length (SL), and from March to May at
7-10 mm SL. Adult males contained mature sperm throughout the year. Mature
oocytes measured 70-100 mu m. Three main spawning events occurred in May t
o July 1993, April to May 1994, and October 1994. Two partial spawnings wer
e observed in September to October 1992 and December 1992 to January 1993.
No spawnings were recorded from October 1993 to February 1994 and from June
to October 1994. Oocyte proliferation was continuous and immature oocytes
were recorded throughout the year. The population appears to have continuou
s reproduction with peaks of maturing activity related to temperature chang
es.