El Niño and La Niña effects on reproductive cycle of the pearl oyster Pinctada mazatlanica (Hanley, 1856) (Pteriidae) at Isla Espiritu Santo in the Gulf of California

J. Angel Garcia-Cuellar, Federico Garcia-Dominguez, Daniel Lluch-Belda, Sergio Hernández-Vazquez

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19 Scopus citations

Abstract

The impact of El Niño (1997-1998) and La Niña (1998-1999) on the reproductive cycle of the pearl oyster Pinctada mazatlanica was studied by histologic observation of gonads, determination of the conditioning index, and oocyte monthly mean diameter, which are related to sea surface temperature and availability of food. Available food was determined by comparison between seasonal and a standard concentration of chlorophyll a. Oyster specimens were collected from Isla Espiritu Santo in the Gulf of California from May 1997 to November 1999. A direct relationship of spawning to temperature was observed from July to October. Concentrations of chlorophyll a were related to the stage of gonad development. The reproductive process was related to the conditioned index. Reproductive activity during El Niño was longer, with spawning in July to November 1997 and July to October 1998, and more intensive (in terms of population spawning frequency) than that during the La Niña event, when the spawning occurred during August to November 1999.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)113-120
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Shellfish Research
Volume23
Issue number1
StatePublished - Apr 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • El Niño
  • La Niña
  • Pearl oyster
  • Pinctada mazatlanica
  • Reproduction

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