DOI: 10.51756/marlife.1941162 ISSN: 2687-5802

Seasonal reproductive dynamics of the freshwater mussel Unio delicatus (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in Lake Gölbaşı, Türkiye

Hülya Şereflişan, Serap Koşal Şahin
Show PDF Cite
This study investigates the reproductive characteristics of the freshwater mussel Unio delicatus Lea, 1863, with a focus on its gonadosomatic index (GSI). Samples were collected from Lake Gölbaşı (Hatay, Türkiye). To examine seasonal variation, approximately twenty adults were randomly sampled each month from October 2023 to September 2024. Shell length, soft tissue weight, and gonad weight were measured to calculate GSI values. Additionally, the relationship between water temperature and GSI was evaluated with respect to environmental conditions. The results indicate a clear seasonal pattern in reproductive activity. In females, GSI values reached their highest levels in February and March (14.65% and 15.22%) and declined during the summer months. Males showed a similar trend, peaking in March (12.38%). The sex ratio remained approximately balanced (1:1.03) and did not differ significantly (P>0.05). A positive relationship between shell length and gonad weight (R2=0.162) suggests that larger individuals allocate more energy to reproduction. In contrast, GSI values decreased with increasing water temperature, indicating that reproductive activity is more pronounced during colder periods. The findings show that environmental conditions, particularly temperature, play an important role in shaping the reproductive cycle of U. delicatus. Gonadal development appears to be most active from late winter to early spring. These results may help better understand the species and support future conservation efforts in freshwater ecosystems.

More from our Archive