Spermatogenesis and Reproductive Cycle in Male Spisula sachalinensis (Bivalvia: Mactridae) of Korea

Spermatogenesis and the reproductive cycle in male Spisula sachalinensis were investigated by cytological and histological observations. The morphology of the spermatozoon has a primitive type and is similar to those of other bivalves in that it contains a short midpiece with four mitochondria surrounding the centrioles. But spermatozoon of this species has not axial rod and satellite body in the midpiece. The morphologies of the sperm nucleus type and the acrosome shape of this species have a globe-shape type and modified cap-like shape, respectively. The spermatozoon is approximately $40-45{\mu}m$ in length including the sperm nucleus length (about $1.35{\mu}m$), acrosome length (about $1.50{\mu}m$) 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 these species lasts from June to July, and the main spawning occurs in July when seawater temperatures are greater than $20^{\circ}C$. The male reproductive cycle of this species can be categorized into five successive stages: early active stage (October to January), late active stage (February to April), ripe stage (April to June), partially spawned stage (June and July), and spent/inactive stage (August to September).