Reproduction in flame scallops, Lima scabra scabra (born 1778), from the lower Florida keys

Sex ratio, gonadal characteristics, and the reproductive cycle of the flame scallop, Lima scabra scabra (Born 1778), collected from Boca Chica Key, FL were investigated over a 21-month period from January 1998 through September 1999. Gametogenic cycles were examined using qualitative and quantitative methods and the results were analyzed within the context of environmental variation. Gamete development was initiated in winter and coincided with cooler water temperature and moderate food concentration. Maximum gamete ripeness and size occurred in late summer, when water temperatures were at maximum values (33 C), and food quantities were increasing (>0.2 ug/l). Both quantitative and qualitative results indicated a clearly defined spawning event that occurred in autumn in association with decreased female gonad size, increased presence of partially spawned, spent, and early gametogenic gonads, rapidly decreased water temperature ( similar to 7 degrees), and maximum measured chlorophyll-a concentrations (1 ug/l). Less defined periods of spawning activity occurred in February and June but could not be related to specific changes in environmental conditions. The presence of ripe and partially spawned flame scallops and adequate chlorophyll-a concentrations throughout the year suggests a continuous spawning reproductive strategy, common in tropical marine invertebrates.