Mass spawning by the date mussel Lithophaga lithophaga
Ante Žuljević1, Marija Despalatović1, Ivan Cvitković2
1Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, I. Meštrovića 63, 21000, Split, Croatia.
Scientific Reports
|July 19, 2018
Summary
The Mediterranean bivalve Lithophaga lithophaga exhibits synchronized mass spawning events, primarily during late summer full moons, a phenomenon previously undocumented in bivalves.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Bivalve Ecology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Lithophaga lithophaga is a common Mediterranean bivalve found on subtidal calcareous rocks.
- Previous knowledge of its reproductive cycle was limited to laboratory studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and analyze the reproductive activities of Lithophaga lithophaga based on observed mass synchronized spawning events.
- To investigate the environmental factors and cues influencing these large-scale spawning events.
Main Methods:
- Observation of natural, localized mass synchronized spawning events of Lithophaga lithophaga.
- Data collection on spawning timing, duration, spatial extent, and environmental conditions.
Main Results:
- Spawning occurs at the end of summer, predominantly between the full moon and last quarter.
- Calm seas are crucial for coordinated mass spawning, with 'gamete to gamete' induction as a likely cue.
- Reproductive waves spread along coastlines, affecting 10–400+ meters and lasting over three days, creating dense gamete clouds.
Conclusions:
- Lithophaga lithophaga engages in large-scale, synchronized spawning events previously unreported in bivalves.
- Lunar cycles and calm seas are key factors in synchronizing these mass reproductive activities.
- These findings provide significant new insights into the reproductive ecology of this common Mediterranean bivalve.
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