Reproductive cycle of the mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialisLmk) in Venice Lagoon (North Adriatic)

Abstract
The reproductive cycle of Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk cultured in Venice Lagoon has been studied from 1979 to 1982. Histology of the gonads shows that the gametes are ripe from September to May, when several spawnings occur with a peak at the end of winter (January -February). Reproductive activity is quiescent between July and August but release of gametes is possible even in summer, if only to a limited extent.