Aspects of the growth, recruitment, mortality and reproduction of the scallop <i>Amusium pleuronectes</i> (Linné) in the Lingayen Gulf, Philippines

Abstract

Growth, recruitment, mortality and reproduction were investigated in the Asian moon scallop, Amusium pleuronectes (Linne) from the Lingayen Gulf, Philippines. Allometric relationships were defined by comparing different shell dimensions, as well as body weight proportions including total weight with shell, visceral weight, adductor muscle weight and gonad weight. Use of the von Bertalanffy-based ELEFAN I program yielded estimates of growth parameters equivalent to H ∞ = 106Dimshell height and K = 0.92 per year, with approximate longevity for the species of about 2 years. Recruitment, as derived using the ELEFAN II program, occurred throughout the year, but showed a pattern consisting of one major and one minor pulse separated by an 8- and 4-months interval. Fishing mortality (F = 5.3) was higher than natural mortality (M = 1.9). Spawning occurred throughout the year, with one major peak in February and one minor peak between July and September, thereby providing some biological basis to the recruitment pattern indicated. Protandry and size at sexual maturity (54 mm) in the species were confirmed.