Reproductive cycle of Nassarius reticulatus in the Ria de Aveiro, Portugal: Implications for imposex studies

Abstract

The reproductive cycle of Nassarius (Hinia) reticulatus was investigated in the Ria de Aveiro on the north-west Portuguese coast during 1992 and 1993. A clear seasonal pattern was observed with the beginning of gametogenesis in August followed by ripening of the gonads in January and February and spawning from February to July. The increase of water temperature above 11°C in February 1993 was associated presumably with the release of gametes. Recruitment inside the Ria of juveniles with 6·5 mm mean shell height was detected in February 1993 and these individuals were spawned in the previous year. Males of N. reticulatus exhibited a considerable variation in length of the penis throughout the reproductive cycle. The accuracy of the use of relative penis length (RPL) index for intersite comparisons of imposex is discussed and the magnitude of the error that might be involved when comparisons are made using populations in different phases of the reproductive cycle is evaluated.