PORTER: REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE OF MYA ARENARIA 





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Figure 3. — Gonadal stages of the soft-shell clam, Mya arenaria , at Skagit Bay, Wash, a) Ripe female (180x), 14 June 1972. The 

 ova are now free of the alveolar wall and have taken on a spherical shape, b) Ripe female ( 145 x ), 14 June 1972. c) Spawning female 

 (180x), 1 June 1972. d) Spent female (lOOx), 24 Aug. 1972. The ova have been discharged, and follicle cells with inclusions are 

 forming along the basal membrane of the alveoli, e) Immature clam ( 160 x), 24 Aug. 1972. Follicle cells devoid of inclusions, but 

 containing the small black follicular nucleii, fill the alveoli. From an individual 38.4 mm in length, f) Hermaphrodite (40 x ) in a 

 spawning condition (14 June 1972). 



653 



