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Reproductive systems and breeding condition in Nerita birmanica (Archaeogastropoda: Neritacea) from Malayan mangrove swamps
Author(s) -
Berry A. J.,
Lim R.,
Kumar A. Sase
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1973.tb01374.x
Subject(s) - biology , mangrove , gonad , spermatophore , reproductive cycle , development of the gonads , mating , zoology , ecology , reproduction , fishery , anatomy
The complex reproductive systems of the mangrove‐dwelling Nerita birmanica are described and related to those of other neritids. Gonad condition in both sexes and numbers of spermatophores in males and females varied slightly during a one‐year survey. It is concluded that a slight tendency for larger number of “full” ovaries with big oocytes to occur in collections taken shortly before full and new moon does not represent a significant lunar cycle of gonad activity since almost all gonads bore gametes in all stages of development at all times of year. It appears merely that ovulation may be held up during relatively rainless periods after which substantial rain is followed by reduced ovaries lacking large oocytes. In brief, breeding appears to be continous with but slight variation which does not consistently follow observable environmental factors.