Spermatozoa Morphology and Embryo Development of Four Species of Bivalves from Beibu Gulf

Abstract

The morphology of sperm and early embryo development of shellfish can provide guidance for classification and biological reproduction. In this study, scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy were used to determine the shape of the sperm, characterize the embryonic development, and measured the size of the mature eggs and the D-shape larvae of four different clam species (Paphia schnelliana, Lutraria sieboldii, Antigona lamellaris, and Paphia textzle). The results showed that these four clam species differ in sperm morphology and the size of the mature eggs and the Dshape larvae (P<0.01). There were also differences in embryonic development time and morphology. This analysis of spermatozoa morphology, egg size, D-shaped larvae size, and embryo development in these four different clam species provides the basis for classification and future breeding efforts.