Study on the Annual Reproductive Cycle of the Comb Pen Shell, Atrina pectinata (Linnaeus, 1767) (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Pinnidae) on the Southern Coast of Ulleungdo Island, Korea

Abstract

Gametogenesis of the comb pen shell, Atrina pectinata (Linnaeus, 1767) (Bivalvia: Pinnidae) on the southern coast of Ulleungdo Island, Korea was assessed monthly (November 2013 to October 2014) using histology. Gametogenesis commenced in January when the surface water temperature was 12.6 o C and pen shells evidenced an early development phase with small oogonia from January to April, although few females exhibited ripe eggs in their follicular epithelium. In April, the oocyte diameter increased rapidly, and fully mature eggs appeared in May. First spawning males and females were observed in June as the surface water temperature reached 19.3 o C and July (23.2 o C) respectively. The spawning activity continued until the end of September. Histology indicated that the spawning peak of the females in Ulleungdo Island was July to August. During October to January, most of the pen shells were in spent and resting stages. Our data suggested that A. pectinata is a summer spawner, and their annual gametogenesis is closely associated with the seasonal variation in the surface water temperature. The present study is the first provided fundamental information on the life history of A. pectinata in Ulleungdo Island, and this can be put to good use in the management of this pen shell in the study area.