Lunar Periodicity in Reproduction of Senatorial Scallop (<i>Chlamys Senatoria</i> Gmelin, 1791) in Asid Gulf, Masbate, Philippines

Abstract In Masbate, senatorial scallop Chlamys senatoria is one of the five commercially important species present in Asid Gulf, but its basic biology poorly understood Philippines. To provide biological information for future conservation and management, reproductive rhythm relation to lunar phase was investigated from October 2016 March 2017. Scallops were collected daily fishers’ catches measured, dissected, processed histological analysis; whereas, fecundity size eggs (diameter) also determined. Ecological parameter such as bottom water temperature monitored during sampling period. Results showed that C. a highly fecund species, which ranges 8.3 X 10 5 2.1 6 oocytes per female sizes (oocytes) 53.8 µm 72.5 while Gonado-somatic index (GSI) 3.2 7.1. Fecundity, egg diameter, GSI decreased new moon (NM) full (FM). indicates onset spawning activity commences NM FM. Environmental parameters significant variations phase. Spawning follows pattern, initiated influenced by different factors temperature, amplitude, light effect lunar/tidal cycles. These findings indicate reproduction necessarily are related associated with phases. Strategies managing resource can be formulated using temporal dimension