Reproductive cycle and parasitism in the clam Anomalocardia brasiliana (Bivalvia: Veneridae)

Author(s)

Corte, Guilherme Nascimento ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Dept Biol Anim, Programa Posgrad Ecol, BR-13083862 Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INVERTEBRATE REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT; v. 59, n. 2, p. 66-80, APR 3 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

The reproductive cycle and parasitism in the clam Anomalocardia brasiliana were studied in two different areas, an intermediate beach (Cidade) and a tidal flat (Araca), in Southeast Brazil. Four gametogenic stages were described for males and females in both areas. Mature and spawning individuals were present throughout the period of study at Cidade and Araca; however, major temporal differences were recorded between sites. Whereas only a few individuals in the resting stage were recorded at Cidade throughout the study period, resting stage individuals were frequent at Araca. Moreover, a shorter period of gametogenesis was observed at Araca than at Cidade. Oocyte number was the most effective parameter to differentiate gametogenic stages. An unidentified digenetic trematode was the only parasite infecting A. brasiliana at the study sites, and caused castration of all hosts. Parasite prevalence (proportion of infected hosts) was similar and low (ca 7.5%) at Cidade and Araca and therefore is not expected to compromise the reproductive output of these populations. Comparison with data from previous studies suggests a latitudinal pattern for the reproductive biology of A. brasiliana, with resting stages occurring only at two high-latitude sites; however, no evidence was found for a latitudinal pattern of trematode prevalence in this species. (AU)