The reproductive biology of the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha was studied during 1999 in a natural population living in Lake Como (N. Italy), with particular reference to the differences in behavior between young and adult mussels. Histological analysis of gonads was used to study the gametogenic cycles and to evaluate when the young reached sexual maturity. Signs of active gametogenesis were detected in greater than or equal to4 mm shell length mussels. Mature gametes and the first spawning events were observed in greater than or equal to5 mm males and in greater than or equal to6 females. The gonad feature of greater than or equal to7 mm mussels was similar to that of the adults. Size frequency distributions revealed that the new generation (0(+)) first spawned in the year following birth, but only after winter. The length of larval time seemed to vary greatly depending on the spawning period, in addition to the environmental conditions. The first settled mussels greater than or equal to500 mum in shell length were observed 3-4 months after the first depositions. Water temperature seemed to be the most important factor which regulated sexual phenomena of both young and adult mussels. Its role in the onset of the spawning events was confirmed, but it is important to point out that temperature is not enough to trigger reproduction since gamete release is impossible without sufficient energy, especially for young mussels.

Sexual maturity in young Dreissena polymorpha from Lake Como (N. Italy) / G. Vailati, R. Bacchetta, P. Mantecca. - In: INVERTEBRATE REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT. - ISSN 0792-4259. - 40:2-3(2001), pp. 181-192.

Sexual maturity in young Dreissena polymorpha from Lake Como (N. Italy)

G. Vailati
Primo
;
R. Bacchetta
;
2001

Abstract

The reproductive biology of the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha was studied during 1999 in a natural population living in Lake Como (N. Italy), with particular reference to the differences in behavior between young and adult mussels. Histological analysis of gonads was used to study the gametogenic cycles and to evaluate when the young reached sexual maturity. Signs of active gametogenesis were detected in greater than or equal to4 mm shell length mussels. Mature gametes and the first spawning events were observed in greater than or equal to5 mm males and in greater than or equal to6 females. The gonad feature of greater than or equal to7 mm mussels was similar to that of the adults. Size frequency distributions revealed that the new generation (0(+)) first spawned in the year following birth, but only after winter. The length of larval time seemed to vary greatly depending on the spawning period, in addition to the environmental conditions. The first settled mussels greater than or equal to500 mum in shell length were observed 3-4 months after the first depositions. Water temperature seemed to be the most important factor which regulated sexual phenomena of both young and adult mussels. Its role in the onset of the spawning events was confirmed, but it is important to point out that temperature is not enough to trigger reproduction since gamete release is impossible without sufficient energy, especially for young mussels.
sexual maturity; reproductive cycle; histology; shell length; Dreissena polymorpha
Settore BIO/05 - Zoologia
Settore BIO/06 - Anatomia Comparata e Citologia
Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia
2001
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/328979
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