The gametogenic cycle of the non-native false limpet Siphonaria pectinata (Linnaeus, 1758) in the easternmost limit of its distribution range: implications for its future in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin


Published: Oct 7, 2020
Keywords:
Siphonariid reproduction alien species invasion success Tunisia.
TASNIME SLAMA
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0035-1604
FERDAOUS KEFI-JAAFAR
JIHÈNE MAATOUG-BÉJAOUI
YOUSSEF LAHBIB
SOPHIE HERMET
GEORGINA RIVERA-INGRAHAM
JEHAN HERVÉ LIGNOT
NAJOUA TRIGUI MENIF
Abstract

The gametogenic cycle of the false-limpet Siphonaria pectinata from the Bizerte channel (Northern Tunisia) was studied through histological characterization of the hermaphroditic gonad during a 1-year study period (May 2015 - May 2016). Spawning
intensity in the field as well as the gonadic index were calculated monthly. Both female and male gametes were observed simultaneously within acini of adult individuals and continuously throughout the year. Oogenesis started in the mid-autumn (October), with gonads characterized mainly by proliferation of female cells. After that, oocytes progressively increased in number and volume until summer, when the evacuation stage frequency was the highest. From summer to autumn, some acini were empty from
their oocyctes while some others had already begun the proliferation stage, suggesting the lack of a resting phase. Spermatogenesis
was also a continuous process throughout the year, with spermatozoa being mainly observed in late spring (March). These findings suggested that environmental conditions are suitable for the establishment of S. pectinata, first mentioned in 1998 on the Tunisian coast and even suggest that it could continue spreading eastward in the Mediterranean Basin.

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Author Biographies
TASNIME SLAMA, Laboratoire de Biosurveillance de l'Environnement, Groupe MFA, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage, Tunisie
PhD.
NAJOUA TRIGUI MENIF, University of Carthage, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte
Department of Biology, Professor
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