Reproductive ecology of the common rock chiton Acanthopleura gemmata (mollusca: polyplacophora) in the Northwestern coast of the red sea

Abstract

The reproductive cycle of the chiton, Acanthopleura gemmata was studied by observing the gonad indices at two localities in the North-western coast of the Red Sea, from January 1988 to December, 1989. The interrelationships between gonad, general viscera and body wall indices were evaluated. The gonad indices showed an inverse relationship with both the general viscera and the body wall indices. Spawning occurred once a year during the autumn. The annual and local changes in the reproductive cycle and the main factors affecting them are discussed.