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Role of density in aggregation patterns and synchronization of spawning in the hermaphroditic scallop Pecten fumatus

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Abstract

In broadcast spawners, low densities and poor spawning synchronization can reduce fertilization success. In wild populations, individuals in close proximity tend to spawn more synchronously than those further apart, suggesting that low spawner densities may reduce gamete production by lessening the efficacy of pheromone signalling. This study assessed the role of adult density in aggregation patterns and spawning synchronization in a semi-sessile, hermaphroditic scallop, Pecten fumatus. The study was carried out in Great Bay, Tasmania, Australia (147.335 W, 43.220 S) in 2010–2012 by assessing (1) the relationship between density, small-scale aggregation patterns and nearest neighbour distance (NND), (2) the temporal pattern of spawning synchronization, and (3) the effect of site density and conspecific proximity on the probability of spawning. Densities observed in the field ranged from 1.455 to 0.021 ind m−2. Sites with lower densities had less small-scale aggregation and greater NNDs. Patterns of small-scale aggregation and NNDs in P. fumatus were comparable to those observed in a gonochoristic species. Spawning synchronization was highly variable, ranging between 3.5 and 59.8 % of individuals spawning. P. fumatus was more likely to engage in spawning activity when at greater densities and at closer proximity to conspecifics. This strongly suggests that lower densities in this scallop reduce not only the number of individuals contributing to the production of gametes, but also reduces the synchronization of spawning.

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance in the field provided by Julian Harrington, Jaime McAllister, Sarah Pyke, Luisa Forbes, Dane Jones, Mike Porteus and Simon Talbot. We are also thankful to Alina Bermejo, Daniela Farias and Mana Inoue for their help with histology and Nick Jones for comments and valuable suggestions on early drafts of the manuscript. We would like to thank Prof. Kevin Stokesbury, Prof. Judy Grassle and an anonymous reviewer for their valuable comments and suggestions to improve the manuscript. Funding was provided to JMS by the Australian Government’s Fisheries Research Development Corporation (Project No. 2008/022) and to JMS and TM by the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Fishwise Community Grant.

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  1. Fisheries, Aquaculture and Coasts, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia

    T. Mendo, J. M. Lyle, S. R. Tracey & J. M. Semmens

  2. School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Ourimbah, NSW, 2260, Australia

    N. Moltschaniwskyj

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Mendo, T., Moltschaniwskyj, N., Lyle, J.M. et al. Role of density in aggregation patterns and synchronization of spawning in the hermaphroditic scallop Pecten fumatus . Mar Biol 161, 2857–2868 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-014-2551-2

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