Sexual maturation of the blood cockle, Anadara granosa, in Matang mangrove estuary, peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

The sexual maturation and spawning period of blood cockle in Matang mangrove estuary was studied by naked eye and histological observations of the gonads from July 2010 to April 2011. The high spawning period was from November to February. However, at one station where bottom sediment exhibited a severe reduction in potential of −100 mV lower, immature individuals were common. These results suggest the redacting environment inhibits the sexual maturation of blood cockle.

Keywords

• Anadara granosa, Blood cockle, Sexual maturation, Redox potential.