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REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE OF THE PURPLE SNAIL PLICOPURPURA PANSA (GOULD 1853) FROM TWO LOCATIONS AT BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, MEXICO

Abstract The reproductive cycle of purple snail, Plicopurpura pansa (Gould 1853), sampled randomly monthly over a period of 20 mo at Playa Cerritos at the Pacific, and Punta Perico at the Gulf of California, Baja California Sur, Mexico, was examined by histological observations of the gonadal development. At both sites year-round copulations were observed, whereas egg capsules could be found only during February to May. During nearly the whole period, male and female gonads were found in the developing stage. From January to July and August most female gonads were found in the ripe, and from January to June and August in the spawning stage. Male gonads in the spawning stage were observed from December to September. The recovering stage was found in male and female gonads between September and October. Synchronism of gonadal development between both sexes was evident. Spawning could be observed in females with a total shell length of more than 18 mm, whereas smaller animals had gonads in the developing stage. In gonads of males signs of spawning could be observed in animals larger than 18 mm. No relationship was found between the water temperature and the spawning period. The sex ratio was 1:1 at Playa Cerritos, whereas at Punta Perico more males than females were counted.