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The reproductive cycle of the Thecosomatous pteropod Limacina retroversa in the western South Atlantic

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Abstract

The reproductive cycle of Limacina retroversa in the Argentine Sea was studied by gonadal analysis. Samples were collected in 1978–1979. The relation between gonadal maturity and size is dependent on the season and the geographical area. Evidence of in situ reproduction was found at the beginning of spring and at the end of summer, indicating that the life cycle in the area consists of two generations per year. In accordance with the season of birth, both generations develop different strategies. Individuals born in spring mature early and reproduce before the end of summer. The offspring born in summer survive the cold season without reaching sexual maturity and reproduce in the following spring.

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Communicated by O. Kinne, Oldendorf/Luhe

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Dadon, J.R., de Cidre, L.L. The reproductive cycle of the Thecosomatous pteropod Limacina retroversa in the western South Atlantic. Marine Biology 114, 439–442 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00350035

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