Scallops were collected from beds at 30 to 40 m depth on the south-southern inner continental shelf of Brazil for histological gonadal characterization of the reproductive cycle. This hermaphroditic scallop was an important shellfish resource during 70-80 decade, with maximal annual landings of 8,845 tons, but now is depleted. Results shows that reproduction is continuous, with two major spawning periods, the first during end of summer and throughout autumn, and the second during winter and beginning of spring. A characteristic phenomenon of oocyte atresia, with maximal incidences in September is described. This phenomenon, followed by the mature oocyte resorption and new oocyte proliferation and maturation, was related to the lack of spawning stimulation. A semi-annual thermal cycle on the bottom water due to the South Atlantic Central Water intrusion seems to be the principal reproductive cycle controller. Fluctuations in landings registered since the beginning of the fishery may be partly related to oceanographic variations.
Oocyte atresia; reproduction; scallops; spawning stimulation
