The reproductive cycle of patella candei gomesii drouët, 1858 (mollusca: Patellogastropoda), an azorean endemic subspecies

Patella candei gomesii is morphologically plastic comprising two ecomorphs. The “smooth limpet” is characteristic of the eulittoral zone, whereas the “fly limpet” is mainly found higher in the shore, on the splash zone of exposed areas. Their reproductive strategies are poorly understood. This study investigated the reproductive cycles of the ecomorphs using histological techniques. The annual cycles were found to be similar. Both sexes exhibited synchronous patterns and were mature most of the year. In April, significant increases were observed in the relative volume occupied by previtellogenic and vitellogenic cells in females, and by spermatogonia, spermatids and spermatocytes in males. The maximum values for mature oocytes and spermatozoa were observed in July. It is concluded that the breeding season of P. candei gomesii lasts the whole year peaking in the summer (when reproductive condition is highest and the main spawning event must occur). The implications of these findings for the taxonomy and conservation of the subspecies are further discussed.