Reproductive cycle and spawning rhythm of the ascidian, Halocynthia hilgendorfi ritteri

Abstract

Reproductive cycle and spawning rhythm with lunar cycle of the ascidian, Halocynthia hilgendorfi ritteri were investigated by histological examination. The specimens were sampled in the coastal waters of Yongdam, northwest of Jeju Island, Korea, from November 2001 to January 2003. H. hilgendorfi ritteri is a synchronous hermaphrodite; the gonads are located in the mantle. The reproductive cycle can be grouped into the following successive stages in the ovary: growth (February to June), vitellogenesis (April to September), mature (July to December), spent (November to February), and recovery (December to April). Likewise, in the testis, the stages observed were: growth (October), mature (October to December), spent (November to February), and resting (January to September). Major spawning probably occurs between November and January, when water temperatures decrease. The histological observations of the gonads suggested that this species is a multiple spawner during the spawning period. Spawning occurred between the new moon and full moon, and again between the full moon and new moon, suggesting that the spawning rhythm is influenced by the lunar cycle.