Breeding season and life history of Lingula anatina after settlement in Amami-Oshima Island, Kagoshima, Japan

Research on Lingula anatina, a threatened brachiopod species in Japan, reveals its breeding season spans from summer to early autumn, longer than previously documented for other populations. The study, conducted in Kasari Bay, Amami-Oshima Island, Kagoshima, used gonad index measurements and seasonal size distribution analysis to track life history traits post-settlement. Findings indicate that settlement occurs in winter after a planktonic stage, with maturity reached within two or three years. Longevity exceeds four years, and the species breeds annually. This study contributes critical insights into the reproductive biology of Lingula anatina, aiding conservation efforts for this endangered species.

Fujii, R., Ueno, R., & Yamamoto, T. (2019). Breeding season and life history of Lingula anatina after settlement in Amami-Oshima Island, Kagoshima, Japan. Plankton and Benthos Research, 14(1), 45–51. https://doi.org/10.3800/pbr.14.45