Spawn and larval development of Pleuroploca aurantiaca (Lamarck, 1816) (Gastropoda: Fasciolariidae) from Northeast Brazil

Abstract

Spawn and larval development stages of Pleuroploca aurantiaca from northeast Brazil are described. Thereproductive period lasted from August to December, with a peak in November. Spawn masses were composed of 29 ±3vase-shaped capsules which measured 9 ±1 mm (n = 30) in length and 4.5 ±0.5 mm (n = 30) in width. The exit plug waslocated on the apical area and measured 2.5 ±0.5 mm (n = 30) in diameter. Each capsule had 353 ±59 (n = 10) eggs thatmeasured 240 ±1 µm (n = 15) in diameter. On the tenth day, the intracapsular veliger stage was observed. The intracapsu-lar pediveliger stage was observed on the twenty first day, when the individuals had a functional foot and a reduced velum.Hatching occurred on the thirtieth day, when the early juvenile measured 3 to 5 mm in length and there was no remainingvelum. Only 1% of the eggs developed to the hatching stage. The rest were nurse eggs used by embryos as a food resource.Pleuroploca aurantiaca has an intracapsular metamorphosis development type