Reproductive biology of lampshell, Lingula anatina (Lamarck, 1801), family Lingulidae in Thuy Trieu lagoon – Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam

Abstract

Brachiopod, lampshell, Lingula anatina (Lamarck, 1801) is one of the economic species in the Thuy Trieu lagoon, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam. However, the reproductive biology of this species is still not understood, causing difficulties in sustainable fisheries management. Therefore, this study aimed to examine some reproductive biology characteristics of lampshell, providing baseline data to manage and exploit the resource of lampshell at the Thuy Trieu lagoon, Khanh Hoa. A total of 864 lampshells were sampled monthly for a whole year. The results show that the sex ratio of L. anatina was 1.02: 1.Reproduction was found year-round; however, spawning season was between July to November. The absolute fecundity was 191,430 ± 132,093 eggs per female, while the relative fecundity was 80,351 ± 44,477 eggs g-1 of total body weight of the female. Size at the first maturity was estimated at 28 mm of shell height. The paper provides baseline data for the management and sustainable exploitation of lampshell resources.