Reproductive cycle of Bolinus brandaris and penis and genital duct size variations in a population affected by imposex

Abstract

The reproductive cycle of Bolinus brandaris (Gastropoda: Muricidae) was investigated. Specimens were sampled monthly from a site off Sant Carles de la Ràpita, in the western Mediterranean, between February 1999 and March 2000. A pattern was observed in the reproductive cycle, with two reproductive peaks (April and June–July). The first stages of gametogenesis began in September for males and November for females. Mature males were found from December to April and from June to July. Maximum ripening in females was attained at the end of June and during July, coinciding with the spawning season. In May, there was a resting stage in females, and for both sexes from August to October.Males exhibited variation in penis length and vas deferens width related to the reproductive cycle. Sizes of both dimensions increased as maturation progressed. The variation was not found in imposex females.