SOME REPRODUCTIVE PATTERNS OF CULTURED MEDITERRANEAN MUSSEL (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819) IN BOKA KOTORSKA BAY, ADRIATIC SEA

Abstract

Results about annual reproductive cycle of Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819) in Boka Kotorska Bay are given in this paper. Sex ratio, gonad developmental stages, oocytes diameter, mean gonad index, condition index as well as correlation to water temperature were analysed. Sex ratio was 1:1. Maturation and spawning occurred over a great part of the year, from October to June, with short resting period during the late summer, when water temperature was above 25°C. Mean oocytes diameter ranged from 56.68 ± 10.52 µm in October 2015 to 66.58 ± 12.09 in December 2015. The highest mean oocytes diameter appeared during period when most of individuals were in ripe stage. Significant negative correlation between mean gonad index and sea water temperature was found, as well as weak negative correlation between condition index and sea water temperature. Positive correlation between condition index and mean gonad index showed that condition index followed the mean gonad index pattern. Obtained qualitative and quantitative data on reproduction cycle of cultured M. galloprovincialis are of great significance for farmers.