Reproductive Cycle of Spondylus varius (Sowerby, 1827) in Lianga Bay, Surigao Del Sur, Eastern Mindanao, Philippines

The reproductive cycle of the Spondylus varius in Lianga Bay, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, was studied from September 2018 to October 2019. Histological examination showed that this species is gonochoric. The spawning occurred at the size of 80-100 mm shell length. Spondylus varius showed a continuous breeding season from December to April. The highest peak was recorded in April 2019. From August to October, the early and late gametogenesis stage predominates. Annual gonad development and spawning period coincided with the increase in sea surface temperature. In terms of management, it is important to leave a proportion of reproductively mature individuals in the population to allow breeding and recruitment. Thus, it is recommended that the collection of individuals smaller than 65 mm should be restricted and a ban on fishing imposed from February to May.