Spawn and fecundity of Cymatium (Monoplex) pileare and Cymatium (Linatella) Cingulatum (Gastropoda: Ranellidae)

Abstract

Cymatium (Monoplex) pileare deposited 20 egg masses under laboratory conditions. Out of these, 14 were laid during the peak spawning period of July-November and the remaining 6 egg masses during February-May. Two gastropods successively laid 2 egg masses each at intervals of 48 and 58 days respectively. On an average, there were 200 egg capsules in an egg mass with 2985 eggs in an egg capsule. The estimated fecundity of C. (M.) pileare was 0.585 million eggs per animal. Cymatium (Linatella) cingulatum laid 2 egg masses during July-August. In an egg mass, there were 167 egg capsules with 1220 eggs. The fecundity of C. (L.) cingulatum was estimated to 0.203 million eggs.