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Gametogenesis, reproductive investment, and spawning behavior of the Pacific giant oyster Crassostrea gigas: evidence of an environment-dependent strategy

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Abstract

The progress of gametogenesis was studied in oysters Crassostrea gigas having the same origin (Tremblade), but cultured during 1 year in two distinctive French marine areas, the Baie des Veys and Marennes-Oléron. We assessed seasonal changes in the reproduction cycle on the basis of stereological techniques to estimate reproductive investment and measurement of gonad evolution area by quantitative histology. From a qualitative point of view, both oyster groups presented typical reproductive stages, but showed differential timing, in particular during the sequence of spawning and duration of the re-absorption stage. Oysters in Baie des Veys had a single partial spawning in August and a re-absorption stage that extended until winter. Oysters in Merennes-Oléron had a partial spawning in July and massive release of gametes during August. Spawnings in both the areas were related to maximum temperature (19°C). The quantitative analysis showed, on an annual basis, a higher reproductive investment by oysters from Baie des Veys, 86% against 53% in the other group. Larger gonads, higher gamete production, and more intensive spawning were the characteristics of oysters in Baie des Veys. Recently, the reproduction pattern and investment has been related with summer mortalities; therefore, a quantitative understanding of reproductive processes becomes necessary for C. gigas. Environmental conditions at each site may explain differences in the progress and intensity of gametogenesis. While temperature regulated the time and speed of gametogenesis, results suggest that the intensity was influenced by the quantity of available food but may need further research. However, nutrient recycling from unreleased gametes in the gonads of oysters from Baie des Vey is a factor to be considered in the results of this study.

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Acknowledgments

This study was financially supported by IUEM/IFREMER and was part of the MOREST French program (2001–2004, IFREMER program, Dr. J.F. Samain, coordinator). We thank Dr. J.C. Cochard for providing facilities at the Argenton Shellfish Laboratory (IFREMER-Brest, LPI). We are grateful to B. Dubois, K. Costil, M. Ropert, and P. Soletchnick for animal collections on the tidal flats and their subsequent dispatching. We thank M. Ropert (IFREMER-Port en Bessin, LCN) and D. Razet of RAZLEC hydrobiologic data network for Marennes-Oléron (IFREMER-La Tremblade, LCPC) for providing environmental data. M. Enríquez-Díaz was supported by a doctoral fellowship from CONACyT of Mexico.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratorio de Biología y Cultivo de Moluscos, CINVESTAV-IPN, Km. 6 antigua carretera a Progreso, A.P. 73, Cordemex, 97310, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

    M. Enríquez-Díaz

  2. Laboratoire de Physiologie des Mollusques Marins, Site Expérimental d’Argenton, IFREMER, Presqu’île du Vivier, 29840, Argenton en Landunvez, France

    S. Pouvreau

  3. CIBNOR (Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste), Unidad Sonora, A.P. 349, Guaymas, Sonora, 85454, Mexico

    J. Chávez-Villalba

  4. Université de la Polynésie Française, B.P. 6570, 98702, Faa’a, Tahiti, French Polynesia

    M. Le Pennec

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  1. M. Enríquez-Díaz
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  2. S. Pouvreau
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  3. J. Chávez-Villalba
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  4. M. Le Pennec
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Correspondence to M. Enríquez-Díaz.

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Enríquez-Díaz, M., Pouvreau, S., Chávez-Villalba, J. et al. Gametogenesis, reproductive investment, and spawning behavior of the Pacific giant oyster Crassostrea gigas: evidence of an environment-dependent strategy. Aquacult Int 17, 491–506 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-008-9219-1

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