Reproductive cycle in an ellobiid snail Cassidula nucleus


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Authors

  • K Shanmugam

Abstract

The histology of the ovotestis and the reproductive cycle of Cassidula nucleus which shows protandry were studied. This ellobiid snail attains the first sexual maturity at a size of 16.0 mm (shell length). Since it is a protandric hermaphrodite the male and female genital ducts are fully developed alternatively. The male phase starts in September (premonsoon) when the male reproductive system is fully developed. The female reproductive ducts start developing in November (monsoon). Upto the end of January (postmonsoon) the bursa copulatrix is filled with mucous only. The penis and the anterior part of the vas deferens are distinct during the male phase only. From February onwards copulation takes place, mostly during night. Following this, the egg-laying starts from middle of April (first part of summer season) and extends for another month. In the beginning of July the snails enter into the spent stage and remain upto August during which time no sex cells are present in the ovotestis. The cycle is repeated for the subsequent year.

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Submitted

2017-03-31

Published

2017-03-31

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Shanmugam, K. (2017). Reproductive cycle in an ellobiid snail Cassidula nucleus. Indian Journal of Fisheries, 45(3), 301-305. https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/IJF/article/view/69159