Spermatogenesis and Sexual Maturation in Male Mactra chinensis (Bivalvia: Mactridae) of Korea

Spermatogenesis, the reproductive cycle, and the size at first sexual maturity in male Mactra chinensis were investigated by cytological and histological observations. The spermatozoon exhibits a primitive type morphology and is similar to those of other bivalves in that it contains a short midpiece with four mitochondria surrounding the centrioles. The morphologies of the sperm nucleus type and the acrosome shape of this species are cylindrical and modified cap-like, respectively. The spermatozoon is approximately $40-45\;{\mu}m$ in length including the sperm nucleus (about $1.46\;{\mu}m$), acrosome (about $1.20\;{\mu}m$) and tail flagellum. The axoneme of the sperm tail flagellum consists of nine pairs of microtubules at the periphery and a pair at the center. The axoneme of the sperm tail shows a 9+2 structure. The spawning period of this species lasts from June to September, and the main spawning occurs in July and August, when the seawater temperature is greater than $20^{\circ}C$. The percentage of individual male clams at first sexual maturity was 56.5% for those whose shell lengths were 35.1-40.0 mm, and 100% for over 45.1 mm. Accordingly, harvesting clams <35.1 mm in shell length could potentially cause a drastic reduction in recruitment, and a measure indicating a prohibitory fishing size should be taken for adequate fisheries management.