Reproductive cycle of the winged pearl oyster, Pteria penguin (Röding 1793) (Pteriidae) in north-eastern Australia

摘要: The spawning cycle of the winged pearl oyster, Pteria penguin, was studied at Orpheus Island, north-eastern Queensland to observe seasonal changes in gonad development, mean oocyte diameter and sex ratio over time. A total 201 oysters were collected 10 sampling periods, approximately every 5–6 weeks (mean = 20 oysters/sample). Histological analysis gonads showed that activity occurred mainly through austral mid-spring late summer (November March), when monthly water temperature ranged between 27.5°C 29.4°C. There a primary peak beginning season December, followed by secondary March. Mean (µm) highest during warmer months, ranging from 31.2 ± 2.4 November 36.2 ± 3.2 March, percentage females population also peaked 30% 50% this period.