REPRODUCTIVE PATTERN OF ATRINA PECTINATA (LINNAEUS, 1767) (BIVALVIA: PINNIDAE) IN ULLEUNG ISLAND IN THE EAST SEA OF KOREA

Abstract

In January, both male and female pen shells showed early developing gametes, indicating that gametogenesis commenced at this time, when surface temperature remained at 12.5°C. In May, the ripe males, exhibiting mature testes, were first observed, whereas female pen shells with ripe ovaries were first encountered in June. In July, the first spawning female and male pen shells were observed when the water temperature reached 23.5°C. Spawning activity in female pen shells continued until the end of September, although spawning male pen shells could be seen in November. Spent pen shells could be observed from September to December. Sexually inactive pen shells could be seen from September to February. Our data suggested that A. pectinata is a summer spawner, and their annual gametogenesis is closely associated with the seasonal variation in water temperature. The present study first provided fundamental information on life history of A. pectinata population lived in Ulleung Island, which can be usefully used in the management of these pen shells in Ulleung Island. Therefore, it is recommended that the fishery closure period be confirmed to run from July to September to protect spawning pen shells.served, whereas female pen shells with ripe ovaries were first encountered in June. In July, the first spawning female and male pen shells were observed when the water temperature reached 23.5°C. Spawning activity in female pen shells continued until the end of September, although spawning male pen shells could be seen in November. Spent pen shells could be observed from September to December. Sexually inactive pen shells could be seen from September to February. Our data suggested that A. pectinata is a summer spawner, and their annual gametogenesis is closely associated with the seasonal variation in water temperature. The present study first provided fundamental information on life history of A. pectinata population lived in Ulleung Island, which can be usefully used in the management of these pen shells in Ulleung Island. Therefore, it is recommended that the fishery closure period be confirmed to run from July to September to protect spawning pen shells.