“…The reproduction of molluscan bivalves has been closely studied in the past decades to support management decisions (Byrne 1998, Beasley et al 2000, Hold et al 2013, pest control (Ram et al 1996), and to enhance aquaculture farming (Joaquim et al 2008). Past studies mostly attempted to establish methods for spawn induction (Gibbons & Castagna 1984, V elez et al 1990, Mies & Sumida 2012, Navneel & Azam 2013, to characterize gamete release and spawning behavior (Jameson 1976, Marteil 1976, Andr e & Lindegarth 1995, to evidence seasonality in reproductive competence (e.g., Marteil 1960, Grant & Tyler 1983, Beasley et al 2000, Pouvreau et al 2000, and to identify potential high reproductive areas (Williams & Babcok 2010, Hold et al 2013.…”