Embryonic development and reproductive seasonality ofBuccinanops globulosus(Nassariidae) (Kiener, 1834) in Patagonia, Argentina

Variability of imposex development and reproductive alterations in the Patagonian gastropod Buccinanops globulosus inhabiting a polluted harbour area

“…The effects of pollutants on gastropod reproductive output has been associated with histological changes in gonads and aborted egg capsules in females (Gibbs et al, 1991, Axiak et al, 2003, Oetken et al, 2004. Although generally in B. globulosus only one embryo is developed per egg capsule (Penchaszadeh, 1971), a population recently studied in Golfo Nuevo showed 0.22% of egg capsules with multiples embryos (Averbuj et al, 2014). Our results showed that gravid females presented on average a large proportion of egg capsules with multiple embryos (17.3%).…”

“…Females of B. globulosus were collected during February 2012 when egg capsules with embryos in late stages of development are most abundant (Averbuj et al, 2014).The "gravid females" occur mainly from October to March, when the water temperature ranges between 11°C and 18°C (Averbuj et al, 2014). This work was performed at Luis Piedra Buena Harbour (LPBH, 42º45ˈ45" S and 64º1ˈ51" W), a high maritime traffic area with ~730 vessels per year (APPM, 2013).…”

“…Reproductive output was estimated for gravid females (Fig. 1) when embryos were at hatching stage (Averbuj et al, 2014). The following parameters were considered for reproductive output: a) number of egg capsules per female (# EC), b) number of embryos per egg capsule, c) total number of embryos per female and d) mean embryo size per female.…”

“…Buccinanops globulosus lives mostly buried in sandy or muddy bottoms (Scarabino, 1977). This species is edible and is part of an expanding artisanal fishery (Narvarte, 2006, Averbuj et al, 2014. Adult females spawn once a year a variable number of egg capsules that are attached to their own shells (Penchaszadeh, 1971).…”

“…Adult females spawn once a year a variable number of egg capsules that are attached to their own shells (Penchaszadeh, 1971). Generally one B. globulosus crawling juvenile, measuring between 3-7 mm, hatches from each egg capsule (Penchaszadeh, 1971, Narvarte, 2006, Averbuj et al, 2014.…”