Ivana Prusina

On the reproduction of the Mediterranean keystone limpet Patella rustica: histological overview

The reproductive cycle of the high shore limpet Patella rustica is described based on histological analysis as the primary method of staging gonad development. Sex ratios, shell length at sexually maturity, gonad developmental stages, mean gonad index and oocyte size were investigated. Males and females were found to differ in size distribution, with females becoming more prevalent from ~28 mm onwards. The estimated shell length at which 50% of males were sexually mature was 13.1 mm. Patella rustica has only one reproductive cycle per year with spawning peak between November and December for both sexes and gonad redevelopment from January. First data on the size frequency analysis of oocyte for this species are also presented, concurring with the qualitative analysis of gonad developmental stages. This study presents updated information on the reproductive cycle of this keystone species and provides first account of the reproductive biology of P. rustica in the Adriatic Sea.