Seasonal Variations in Condition Index and Gonadal Development of the Introduced Blood Cockle Anadara inaequivalvis (Bruguiere, 1789) in the Southeastern Black Sea Coast

The reproduction and gonad development of the Anadara inaequivalvis was investigated over the course of one year on the samples collected from the coastal waters of the Southeastern Black Sea by dredging and diving to depths between 15 and 20 m. Histological analyses have shown that the rate of female and male is 1:1. Minimum size for spawning was found as 20 mm in May. Spawning season covers the period from June to September. During this period, the gonadal stages consisting of five phases including primordial, immature, mature, spawn, full spent, resting were observed. The results obtained in this study will certainly help to develop the management strategy of this invader in the Black Sea coasts.