The reproductive biology of Nassarius festivus (Powys, 1835) (Gastropoda: Nassariidae) in relation to seasonal changes in temperature and salinity in subtropical Hong Kong

The reproduction of Nassarius festivus ( Gastropoda: Nassariidae) has been studied on three contrasting beaches in Hong Kong. There was no significant difference in shell heights between females and males of N. festivus at three study sites and the sex ratio was always female biased. The highest female sex ratio was recorded from Starfish Bay, followed by Tai Tam Bay and then Tai Mong Tsai. The sexual cycle of N. festivus is completed in 1 year in Hong Kong. It is a winter spawner with a reproductive period ranging from September to May. The gonads progressively mature in autumn with maturity being achieved in winter. Spring and summer are times of gonadal decline and gametogenesis initiation, respectively. The ranges in water temperature and salinity at which mature individuals occur were 13.7-28.0 degrees C and 19.3-29.0%(o), respectively. N. festivus produces between 16 and 46 eggs(.)capsule(-1). Over its short life span of 1.21 years, therefore, N. festivus attempts to maximize reproductive output. The eggs hatch as veligers which remain in the plankton for between 33 and 41 days. In terms of its reproductive biology, it is concluded that N. festivus behaves as a typical sub-tropical species with a mix of tropical and temperate characteristics seen in other nassariids from these latitudes.