Ali Fakhri

Gametogenesis of the oyster Saccostrea cucullata from Bushehr coasts, the north of the Persian Gulf, was evaluated monthly based on histological analysis of the gonads during January 2021 to April 2022. Changes in water temperature had close relation with reproductive cycle. During November and December (19-20 oC), thw most of the females and males were in inactive or sexual rest stages. Gametogenic activity in male and female S. cucullata started by mid-February (20 oC). The ripe oysters mainly were observed from May to July and to some extent during August and September when the seawater temperature was more than 30°C. More than 85% male and female oysters collected in September and October were parthially or completely spawned. In conclusion, male and female S. cucullata spawned more or less all year round, although the spawning peak of this oyster on the coasts of Bushehr is from June to August.