Short CommunicationsReproductive cycle of the supralittoral gastropod Littorina kraussi (Rosewater, 1970)

Abstract

The reproductive cycle of Littorina kraussi was determined on the basis of changes in gonadal histology over a 14-month period. This animal is dioecious, the sexes being evenly distributed both in terms of numbers and size. Despite some asynchrony within the population, L. kraussi showed a well defined reproductive cycle. Gonadal proliferation took place from August to January with peak spawning taking place from December to March.

S. Afr. J. Zool. 1987, 22(2)