Age and growth of Nassarius reticulatus in the Ria de Aveiro, north-west Portugal

Abstract

Shell growth of the whelk Nassarius (=Hinia) reticulatus was studied in the Ria de Aveiro (north-west Portugal) between 1995 and 1998. Temporal analysis of shell height frequency distributions demonstrated that growth occurs during the first five years of life, whelks attaining a size of 6·7–7·8 mm in the 1st year, 12·1–14·5 mm in the 2nd year, 18–19·5 mm in the 3rd year, 22·7–23·6 mm in the 4th year and by the 5th year males have achieved an average size of ∼25 mm whilst females have reached ∼27 mm. Age estimates from internal microscopic annual growth lines present in the shell lip suggest that large whelks may achieve a longevity of at least 11 years. External annual rings become less discernible as the whelks increase in size and estimates of their age based solely on ring counts can underestimate their age. In males sexual maturation is reached between the 3rd and 4th years whilst in females it is attained between the 4th and 5th years. Imposex was visible in ∼2 year old females and attained maximum development by the 5th year.