Reproductive pattern of the Phorcus turbinatus (Born, 1778) on littoral zones in Aegean Sea

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to look into morphometric changes and establish the reproductive cycle. Phorcus turbinatus morphometric correlations were established, and the reproductive period and body indices were ascertained by taking histological sections. The idea that the primary growth occurs in the gastropod’s shell due to shell thickness can be supported by the meat yield and condition index, which exhibit a negative relationship with weight increase. The average annual HBA is 15.27 ± 0.26 mm. The overall weight was 1.60 ± 0.07 g on average. The range of the gonad index was 1.23 to 2.81%. Throughout the winter, the condition index was low; in the spring and summer, it rose. The results showed that the condition index was 4.24 ± 0.95–23.77 ± 4.48%, and the meat yield was 17.34 ± 0.99–33.27 ± 1.29%. P. turbinatus gonad stages were identified histologically as early active, late active, ripe, spawning, and recovery. Development and maturation over the course of the year demonstrate that, with the exception of the winter, reproductive activity is not interrupted. The primary reproductive phase was found to be between November and June, with temperature and nutrition assumed to be the abiotic elements influencing this, according to an analysis of data collected throughout the year.