Reproductive cycle of Megapitaria squalida (Bivalvia:Veneridae) in Juncalito Bay, California Gulf, Mexico

The reproductive cycle of Megapitaria squalida was described in Juncalito Bay, California Gulf from November 1995 to May 1997. Common histologic techniques were applied and a general condition factor was calculated. The population sexual proportion was 1F:1M. The length range was 47.1 - 93.3 mm. Histologic analysis reveal that M. squalida is a gonochoric species which presents a synchronic gonad development. The maturity phases and spawn were present during the whole period of study (in different proportions) for that is assumed that the species reproduces all the year in Juncalito Bay. They were interannual differences attributable to environmental changes caused by the El Nino Phenomenon. The condition of the organisms has an inverse relationship with the degree of maturity. The results are compared with those founded in other localities.