Kim, Su-Kyoung , Rosenthal, Harald, Clemmesen, Catriona , Park, K. Y., Kim, D. H., Choi, Y. S. and Seo, H. C. (2005) Various methods to determine the gonadal development and spawning season of the purplish Washington clam, Saxidomus purpuratus (Sowerby). Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 21 . pp. 101-106. DOI 10.1111/j.1439-0426.2004.00636.x.

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Abstract

The monthly variation in reproductive cycle, condition factor (fatness), gonad index (GI), ovarian egg diameter and biochemical composition [RNA, DNA content and their ratio RNA/DNA (R/D)] were compared to determine the spawning season of the purplish Washington clam, Saxidomus purpuratus, collected from the west sea of Taean, Korea. All these factors were correlated to the spawning season from May to October. Monthly variation and concentration of the R/D ratio especially represented indicative information about the processes of gonad development and spawning patterns. The increases in R/D ratio in the ovaries corresponded with increases in ovarian egg diameters and the GI during the spawning season. The peak of R/D and RNA content in females was a good indicator of sexual maturation and the DNA content in males. During winter between November and January, the value of fatness, GI, egg size, RNA and DNA content were lower than in other seasons, indicating depletion of energy reserves and lower metabolic demands because of colder temperatures.

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