TY - JOUR T1 - The gametogenic cycle of the non-native false limpet Siphonaria pectinata (Linnaeus, 1758) in the easternmost limit of its distribution range: implications for its future in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin A1 - Slama,Tasnime A1 - Kefi-Jaafar,Ferdaous A1 - Maatoug-Bejaoui,Jihene A1 - Lahbib,Youssef A1 - Hermet,Sophie A1 - Rivera-Ingraham,Georgina A1 - Lignot,Jehan Herve A1 - Trigui Menif,Najoua AD - Univ Carthage, Grp MFA, Lab Biosurveillance Environm, Fac Sci Bizerte, Carthage, Tunisia. AD - Univ Montpellier, UMR MARBEC 9190, Montpellier, France. AD - Univ Catolica Norte, Lab Fisiol & Genet Marina FIGEMA, Ctr Avanzado Estudios Zonas Aridas CEAZA, Coquimbo, Chile. UR - https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00695/80748/ DO - 10.12681/mms.23093 KW - Siphonariid KW - reproduction KW - alien species KW - invasion success KW - Tunisia N2 - The gametogenic cycle of the false-limpet Siphonaria pectinata from the Bizerte channel (Northern Tunisia) was studied through histological characterization of the hermaphroditic gonad during a 1-year study period (May 2015 - May 2016). Spawning intensity in the field as well as the gonadic index were calculated monthly. Both female and male gametes Were observed simultaneously within acini of adult individuals and continuously throughout the year. Oogenesis started in the mid-autumn (October), with gonads characterized mainly by proliferation of female cells. After that, oocytes progressively increased in number and volume until summer, when the evacuation stage frequency was the highest. From summer to autumn, some acini were empty from their oocyctes while some others had already begun the proliferation stage, suggesting the lack of a resting phase. Spermatogenesis was also a continuous process throughout the year, with spermatozoa being mainly observed in late spring (March). These findings suggested that environmental conditions are suitable for the establishment of S. pectinata, first mentioned in 1998 on the Tunisian coast and even suggest that it could continue spreading eastward in the Mediterranean Basin. Y1 - 2020 PB - Natl Centre Marine Research JF - Mediterranean Marine Science SN - 1108-393X VL - 21 IS - 3 SP - 599 EP - 607 ID - 80748 ER -