Local scale variation in the reproductive pattern of the southern geoduck, Panopea abbreviata (Bivalvia: Hiatellidae), in Patagonia

During 2007 was carried out studies to explore local scale spatial variability in the reproductive cycle of Panopea abbreviata in 3 sites of the northern Patagonian gulfs (El Sótano and Puerto Lobos, in San Matías Gulf, and Punta Conos in San José Gulf), Argentina. Previous reports have revealed that P. abbreviata exhibits a reproductive pattern characterized, in both sexes, by continuous proliferation of gametes and spawning throughout the year. However, the use of quantitative indicators for females has shown a slight seasonality to this pattern. Local spatial variability in the reproductive cycle of P. abbreviata was observed at 3 sites and related to variation in the annual temperature regime at each locality. The females of El Sótano and Puerto Lobos showed similar seasonality in the reproductive pattern: proliferation and maturation phases prevailed over spawning stages when temperature decreased during autumn (March-May); this pattern was reversed when temperatures began to increase during spring (September-November). At Punta Conos this pattern is more irregular. However, at all localities, mature individuals of both sexes were present throughout the year, without a resting period during the reproductive cycle. The reproductive pattern is similar in the 3 sites with many small pulses in reproductive activity that are difficult to detect and characterized by year-round spawning. The same pattern was found in other localities of P. abbreviata and is unique in the genus Panopea.