Etude de la reproduction de Patella caerulea Linnaeus, 1758 (Mollusque, Gasteropode) de la cote nord de la Tunisie.

Abstract

This study devised a staging system for the gonad development of the limpet Patella caerulea on the northern coast of Tunisia using histological techniques. This study took place over a period from March 2006 to August 2007 and focused on 552 specimens of length between 20.73 and 45.14 mm ( plus or minus 4.59 mm). Sex ratio varied along the study period, with samples always presenting more males than females. Maturation began in August / September for both sexes. In males, spawning took place from May to August 2006 and from April to July 2007. Regarding females, spawning took place from April to July for both consecutive years. However, a secondary spawning peak related to the variations of the environmental factors was observed during the winter season for both sexes.