A preliminary study on reproduction and larval development of swan mussel (Anodonta cygnea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Bivalvia: unionidae), in Lake Çıldır (Kars, Turkey)

Özet

In this research, reproduction time and larval development of Anodonta cygnea in Lake Çıldır during 2000-2002 were studied. The mean number of larvae (N) produced by each gravid female was about 115,000 and the mean shell length was (L) 99 mm (59.2-128.3). Best fitted relationship between the number of larvae and mussel length was found as N = 43.696*L1.68 (n = 34, r = 0.42). There was a weak relationship between the length of the mussel and the weight of gills full of larvae, as W = 0.0007 L1.958, r = 0.68 (P<0.01). The weakest relationship was found between length (LL) and height (HL) of larvae: HL = 0.2682LL + 256.47 (r = 0.23) (P<0.05). The duration of gravidity was observed from the end of July to June the following year.